US with new strikes against Iran, Trump threatened an underground nuclear facility

The United States has launched another series of strikes on targets in Iran as part of an ongoing pressure campaign against Tehran. Parallel to this, President Donald Trump issued a new threat that a mysterious underground nuclear facility located near the complex in Natanz could be attacked.

According to American media, the strikes were aimed at infrastructure related to military and command centers, as well as air defense systems and radars in strategic areas around the Strait of Hormuz and the interior of the country. The Pentagon described the actions as part of "coercive diplomacy" aimed at getting Iran to make concessions on its nuclear program and regional behavior.

The threat to "Pickax Mountain"

In an interview with American conservative radio, Donald Trump stated that he is considering a strike on an underground facility known unofficially as "Pickax Mountain." The complex is located in a mountainous area near Natanz and, according to analyses, represents a fortified facility linked to the Islamic Republic's nuclear infrastructure.

Trump described "Pickax Mountain" as a target that could be hit with a "nice strong hit right in the front door," and added that the attack could happen "relatively soon." According to him, the goal is to destroy underground facilities that Washington fears could be used to produce enriched uranium in a short amount of time.

Context: previous strikes on nuclear facilities

The topic of striking underground Iranian facilities is not new – experts and administration officials have repeatedly discussed potential attacks on sites like Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Some of these facilities are located deep underground and are considered difficult targets that can primarily be struck by heavy "bunker-buster bombs."

In previous operations, the US has already attacked elements of Iranian nuclear infrastructure, with the official goal being to slow progress on the program without leading to the total destruction of its scientific and technical potential. Trump, however, has repeatedly stated that he is ready to "do it again" if Iran attempts to resume or accelerate its nuclear activities.

Iran's reaction

Tehran condemns the strikes and labels them as a violation of international law and the country's sovereignty. Iranian authorities claim that their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, and the facilities are under international control – monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Nevertheless, official representatives acknowledge that some of the enriched uranium is stored in underground warehouses and tunnels precisely to be protected from external attacks. Trump's threats of new strikes are viewed in Tehran as an attempt to exert pressure before potential new negotiations on the nuclear dossier.

Concerns of escalation

Analysts warn that a new wave of American attacks against Iranian targets, especially if it involves a strike on an underground nuclear complex, could lead to a serious escalation in the region. Such actions could provoke retaliatory attacks from Iran or its affiliated groups in the Middle East, including against American and allied facilities.

At the same time, some experts believe that Trump's rhetoric also has domestic political dimensions – it aims to demonstrate toughness to the American public and maintain his image as a leader ready to act forcefully against US adversaries. Whether the threats will turn into real strikes on underground nuclear facilities remains an open question and depends both on the development of the crisis and on the diplomatic efforts surrounding the Iranian program.