In a recent interview, President Trump indicated that the U.S. is closely monitoring Iran's Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility, suggesting it could be targeted for military action.
Washington DC, United States Jul 14, 2026 ALN: US President Donald Trump has indicated that another Iranian nuclear facility could soon become a target of American military action, saying the site known as Pickaxe Mountain remains under close surveillance and is "on the list" for possible strikes.
The remarks, made during an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, came as the Trump administration intensified military pressure on Tehran while insisting it would not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. This statement is part of a broader context of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, which have been escalating since the United States withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. The JCPOA was a landmark agreement aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.
After the US withdrawal, Iran began to gradually step back from its commitments under the agreement, leading to increased scrutiny and concern from the international community regarding its nuclear ambitions. The site mentioned by Trump, Pickaxe Mountain, is reportedly one of several facilities that have drawn the attention of US intelligence and military officials due to suspicions that Iran may be conducting activities related to nuclear weapons development.
Asked whether any future agreement with Iran would require international inspectors to verify activities at Pickaxe Mountain, Trump said the United States was already closely monitoring the site. The use of advanced surveillance technologies, including satellite imagery and intelligence from the newly established Space Force, has been a focal point in the Trump administration's strategy to keep a check on Iran's nuclear developments.
"They don't have it because we have eyes, you know, with the -- with Space Force and everything else, we have a lot of eyes on it. But Pickaxe is possible, you know, a possible target for a nice, big, fat shot right in the front door," Trump stated, suggesting that military planners continued to monitor the facility closely.
"No, it is on the list. We're watching it closely. We see no activity there. They're not doing well with their nuclear situation. Every time we hear about it, we blow it up, so they don't like talking about it. But we'll probably give Pickaxe a shot relatively soon," he added. This statement reflects a shift in the US approach towards a more aggressive stance, indicating that military options remain on the table as a means to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities.
Trump also accused Iran of abandoning negotiations after an agreement had appeared within reach. The breakdown of talks can be traced back to a series of events where both sides failed to trust each other, leading to a stalemate. "We had a deal where we won everything and they basically break the deals. You know, they make deals and, to them, deals are made to be broken. They are extremely unreliable people," Trump remarked, emphasizing the administration's position that Iran cannot be trusted to adhere to any agreements.
In his comments, Trump described the Iranian leadership as "stone-cold, crazy people" and argued that Tehran would use a nuclear weapon if it acquired one. This rhetoric is consistent with the administration's portrayal of Iran as a rogue state that poses a significant threat to regional and global stability. The implications of a nuclear-armed Iran are profound, as it could lead to a nuclear arms race in the Middle East and heighten tensions with other nations, particularly Israel, which views Iran as its primary adversary.
"If they ever had a nuclear weapon, they'd use it within one day," Trump asserted, underscoring the urgency with which his administration views the potential for Iran to develop nuclear capabilities. This perspective aligns with the broader US narrative that emphasizes the need for preemptive measures to ensure national security.
The President declined to discuss possible action against individual members of Iran's leadership but suggested Washington retained detailed intelligence. "Yeah, I do, and -- but we don't want to talk about that," he stated. This comment hints at the possibility of targeted actions against key figures within the Iranian regime, a tactic that has been employed in various forms by the US in the past.
Trump also claimed Iran's conventional military capabilities had been largely destroyed. "They don't have it because we have eyes," he said, before adding elsewhere in the interview, "They have no air force, they have no Navy, they have no nothing." This assertion reflects a belief within the Trump administration that military pressure and sanctions have significantly weakened Iran's ability to project power in the region.
During remarks at the White House earlier in the day, Trump reiterated that the United States remained committed to preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power. "Iran will not have a nuclear weapon," he declared, framing the issue as a matter of national security for the United States and its allies. This stance has been a cornerstone of US foreign policy in the Middle East and has influenced diplomatic relations with other nations regarding Iran.
Despite the aggressive rhetoric and military posturing, Trump maintained that negotiations had not been abandoned, despite renewed military operations. "Yeah, I think a deal is possible. Sure, I do," he said, indicating that there may still be room for diplomatic solutions, albeit under stringent conditions. The dual approach of diplomacy coupled with military readiness reflects a complex strategy aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions while also addressing broader geopolitical concerns in the region.
As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of Trump's statements could have far-reaching effects on US-Iran relations, as well as on the stability of the Middle East. The international community remains watchful, as any military action could escalate tensions and provoke responses from Iran, potentially leading to a larger conflict. The discourse surrounding Iran's nuclear program remains a critical issue in global politics, with the potential to reshape alliances and influence future diplomatic engagements.
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