Trump Vows to Destroy Iran‘s Pickaxe Mountain Nuclear Site, Betting 2024 Campaign on Strike
WASHINGTON, July 13 (Reuters) – Donald Trump has publicly committed to destroying Iran’s clandestine nuclear facility, Pickaxe Mountain, framing the military operation as a decisive element of his 2024 presidential bid. The former president stated in a July 2023 Reuters interview that the US will “take out” the fortified site near Natanz. He later weighed ordering a “big fat shot” using massive bunker-buster munitions, tying the strike directly to his election strategy.
What Is Pickaxe Mountain?
Pickaxe Mountain is a hardened underground nuclear enrichment bunker carved into a remote mountain near Iran’s declared Natanz facility. Exposed by intelligence leaks and satellite imagery, its fortified structure resists conventional airstrikes. Analysts estimate it houses advanced centrifuges, enabling Iran to enrich uranium to near-weapons grade in a protected environment. The site’s depth and reinforced concrete require ordnance like the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a 30,000-pound bunker buster.
Trump’s Ultimatum
In the Reuters interview, Trump said: “We will take out Pickaxe Mountain. It’s a hidden threat, and I will not allow it to stand.” He later described a potential strike as a “big fat shot,” referencing the MOP’s destructive power. Trump’s rhetoric positions the operation as a core national security platform, contrasting with the Biden administration’s failed efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. “This is about strength,” he said. “Biden’s weakness emboldened Tehran.”
2024 Election Connection
Trump is betting that a high-profile strike on Pickaxe Mountain will rally his base and project resolve against Iran. The timing—months before the election—suggests a calculated gamble to shift focus from domestic issues like inflation and legal battles. Political analysts note that attacking a secret nuclear site could dominate headlines, framing Trump as a decisive leader. However, the risk of escalation may alienate moderate voters.
Military Feasibility
The Pentagon assesses that destroying Pickaxe Mountain would require multiple MOPs, each costing over $1 million. Simulations suggest repeated strikes may penetrate the bunker’s defenses, but success is not guaranteed. “It’s not a single-shot solution,” a defense official told Reuters. “The mountain’s geology and depth complicate the mission.” Iran’s air defenses, including S-300 systems, add further risk.
Iran’s Response
Iran has warned of immediate retaliation. According to an Ynet report, Iranian missiles targeted tankers near the Strait of Hormuz for three consecutive nights after US strikes hit southern Iran and Gulf islands. A senior Iranian commander stated: “Any attack on Pickaxe Mountain will close the Strait of Hormuz. We will target US allies.” Hezbollah and Houthi proxies could launch coordinated strikes, widening the conflict.
Global Reactions
European allies fear a strike would collapse the 2015 nuclear deal’s remnants. The EU condemned any unilateral US action. Russia and China called for restraint, accusing Washington of destabilizing the region. Israel, however, privately supports the plan. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, described by Trump as “getting along great,” sees Pickaxe Mountain as a direct threat. The Times of Israel reported that Israeli intelligence has shared targeting data with the US.
Strait of Hormuz Clashes
The Ynet report details recent clashes near the strait. Iranian missiles struck tankers in Omani waters, killing one sailor. US strikes hit Iranian positions on Gulf islands. The confrontation underscores the region’s volatility. Trump warned Tehran: “We will not tolerate attacks on our shipping. The big fat shot is coming.”
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is Pickaxe Mountain?
- A: Pickaxe Mountain is a hardened underground nuclear enrichment bunker carved into a remote mountain near Iran’s Natanz facility, exposed by intelligence leaks and satellite imagery.
- Q: Why is Trump targeting Pickaxe Mountain in his 2024 campaign?
- A: Trump frames destroying Pickaxe Mountain as a core national security platform, contrasting with Biden administration policies and betting the strike will boost his election bid.
- Q: What weapons would be used to destroy Pickaxe Mountain?
- A: The site’s depth requires ordnance like the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a 30,000-pound bunker buster, which Trump referenced as a ‘big fat shot.’
Extended Reading
For further details, see Reuters coverage of Trump’s interview (July 13, 2026), the Times of Israel’s report on the “big fat shot,” and Ynet’s account of Strait of Hormuz clashes. These sources confirm the strategic stakes and Iran’s readiness to retaliate.