Iran’s hidden mountain nuclear site raises urgent threat, must be ‘neutralized': reports

Fox News - WorldCenter-RightEN 3 min read 100% complete by Emma BusseyMarch 19, 2026 at 12:31 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Reports indicate Iran is reinforcing a deeply buried nuclear site, known as "Pickaxe Mountain," potentially its most dangerous, prompting concerns about its vulnerability to airstrikes. As of Day 18 of a conflict where U.S. and Israeli forces have struck over 7,800 targets in Iran, a nonproliferation expert urges the U.S. to "neutralize" the mountain site and secure Iran's highly enriched uranium. Satellite imagery reveals accelerated efforts to fortify the site against potential attacks, including reinforcing tunnel entrances. Preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons is a stated U.S. war aim, especially given Iran's existing stockpile of uranium enriched to 60%, enough for multiple weapons if further enriched. The UN watchdog believes roughly 200 kilograms of Iran’s highly enriched uranium.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Fordow 30% Rafael Grossi 35% Donald Trump 40% International Atomic Energy Agency 45% Foundation for Defense of Democracies 50% Operation Epic Fury 55% U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) 60% Andrea Stricker 60% Israel ×270% Pickaxe Mountain ×275% United States ×380% Iran ×1090%

Keywords

iran nuclear site 100% nuclear weapon 80% highly enriched uranium 70% pickaxe mountain 70% military strikes 60% neutralize 60% nonproliferation 50% operation epic fury 50% centcom 40%