Israeli information indicates that Iran has moved nuclear centrifuges to Mount Pickax
Israeli intelligence estimated that Iran had moved thousands of nuclear centrifuges to a deep underground site in the Natanz area known as Jabal Ax, making them difficult to target in air strikes, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal, citing American and Israeli officials.Iran is believed to have taken the step last fall, following a 12-day war in June 2025 during which US and Israeli forces bombed Iranian nuclear facilities. The Al-Ax site was not targeted at that time, nor has it been bombed since the start of the most intense air campaign on February 28.The site, buried more than 300 feet under granite, is deeper than the Natanz and Fordow enrichment facilities that were struck in 2025. The Wall Street Journal reported that there had been activity at the site, including truck and construction movements, for about 15 months.
The source of the centrifuges is unclear; The International Atomic Energy Agency denied access
The report said it is still unclear where the centrifuges came from, although they may have been transported from other Iranian nuclear sites. Iran did not allow the International Atomic Energy Agency access to the site and did not provide specific details about its operations.The report said that IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said in March that Iran had indicated in 2021 that it intended to “engage in nuclear activity” at Bekax.
America threatens to strike
US President Donald Trump said last week that “the ax is a likely target for a nice big shot near the front door,” adding that the United States “will likely give the ax a chance relatively soon.”Trump told reporters on Tuesday that the United States would strike the area where Iranian centrifuges were rumored to be located “very soon” and “very intensely,” warning that Tehran could do nothing to stop it.Nate Swanson, the US National Security Council’s former director for Iran during the Biden administration, told the Wall Street Journal that Iranian activity in an undisclosed location is troubling. He added: “Secret penetration is the worst scenario,” referring to the production of a nuclear weapon. He added: “We do not know what Iran’s intentions are, but the fact that we cannot verify this site confirms how problematic the current situation is.”Iran insists that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, but it has enriched uranium to just below weapons grade, a level that has no peaceful application.
