President Donald Trump said on Monday that the U.S. could soon attack the Pickaxe Mountain in Iran, a heavily fortified underground facility located near the country’s uranium enrichment site.
US Sees ‘No Activity’ But…
During an audio interview with Hugh Hewitt, Trump said that Pickaxe is a “possible target for a nice big fat shot right into the front door,” even though the U.S. sees “no activity” there.
Trump added that the authorities are watching it closely and would probably give it a shot “relatively soon.”
Iran’s Nuclear Question
Pickaxe Mountain, locally called Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, lies near Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment site, repeatedly targeted by U.S. and Israeli strikes.
The exact purpose of the site remains unknown, and UN inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency have not been granted access.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, the site is either a “covert uranium enrichment facility” or a “secure” storage site for stockpiles of “near-weapons-grade uranium.”
The International Atomic Energy Agency estimates Iran holds about 970 pounds of uranium enriched to 60%, far above the 20% level classified as highly enriched uranium and closer to the 90% plus grade needed for a nuclear weapon.
Meanwhile, bettors on Polygon (CRYOTO: POL)-based Polymarket priced in only 5% odds about an official confirmation of Iran possessing a nuclear weapon by Dec. 31.
Fragile Ceasefire To End?
Trump’s threats come amid renewed hostilities between the U.S. and Iran, with both sides accusing each other of violating a memorandum of understanding.
He also reinstated the blockade of Iranian ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. He also stated that the U.S. is considering taking control of the critical oil shipping point permanently in exchange for a 20% fee on cargo.
Image via Shutterstock/ Below the Sky
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