Iran blocks tunnel entrances at Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site
Updated
Updated · JFeed · May 7
Iran blocks tunnel entrances at Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site
12 articles · Updated · JFeed · May 7
New satellite imagery indicates two eastern entrances were partially sealed with large earth mounds on 22 April at the deeply buried site near Natanz.
The move follows earlier sealing and concrete reinforcement of older shafts, suggesting Tehran may be securing sensitive equipment or high-value materials inside the fortified complex.
IAEA inspectors have never accessed Pickaxe Mountain, reportedly deeper than Fordow, leaving outside powers to monitor a key and highly secretive part of Iran's nuclear network remotely.
Is Iran's new mountain fortress the final, untouchable step towards building a nuclear bomb?
With its nuclear program buried deep underground, have both military strikes and international inspections failed?
Hardened Underground Defenses at Mount Pickaxe Extend Iran’s Nuclear Weaponization Timeline to 9–12 Months
Overview
In early 2026, Iran significantly reinforced its underground nuclear site at Mount Pickaxe by blocking tunnel entrances with soil and concrete, reshaping terrain to protect sensitive activities like centrifuge assembly and uranium enrichment. These fortifications dampen aerial attacks and hinder rapid ground assaults, complicating military efforts to disrupt Iran's nuclear program. Despite strikes since mid-2025, including a March 2026 Israeli attack on nearby Natanz entrances, Iran's nuclear weapon timeline remains steady at nine to twelve months, supported by a substantial stockpile of enriched uranium and hardened facilities. Limited IAEA access and stalled diplomacy, alongside Iran's growing ties with China and Russia, deepen verification challenges and geopolitical tensions.