What happened
New satellite images have revealed that Iran has added new defenses around tunnel entrances at Pickaxe Mountain, a deeply buried nuclear-linked site near the Natanz nuclear complex. The images, taken on September 11, show earthen roadblocks and additional soil placed over tunnel portals, which experts say increases protection against aerial bombardment.
The Institute for Science and International Security reported that the continued restricted access to the site reinforces their assessment that the facility is not currently being used for normal operations, but valuable equipment or materials may remain inside. The findings come after President Donald Trump warned Iran not to "get cute" with the nuclear site, saying the US will have to hit them very hard if diplomacy fails.
Russia and China vetoed a US-drafted Security Council resolution aimed at preserving international monitoring of sanctions on Tehran. The resolution would have extended the mandate of the Panel of Experts supporting the 1737 Iran Sanctions Committee for another year. The US considers the sanctions legally restored, but Russia and China reject this position.
Analysts estimate that portions of the Pickaxe Mountain facility may be buried at least 100 meters beneath the mountain, making a straightforward strike difficult. However, experts say Washington retains military options, including burying the entrances to the site and raising the political cost to Iran.
