President Trump warned Iran against further activity at a suspected nuclear site near Natanz, as tensions escalate with naval clashes near the Strait of Hormuz.
Key facts
- •President Trump warned Iran not to 'get cute' regarding activity at the Pickaxe Mountain site.
- •CSIS satellite imagery shows a clear surge in construction activity at the site during 2026.
- •The Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route, has been the site of multiple ship attacks.
- •U.S. forces previously struck Iranian nuclear sites in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan in June 2025.
- •Iran has denied that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran against further activity at a suspected nuclear site on Pickaxe Mountain, known in Farsi as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La. The warning follows a surge in construction at the site and a series of military exchanges between the two nations, including attacks on tankers near the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated that the U.S. would respond with force if Iran continues to advance its nuclear program.
By the numbers
Satellite Analysis of Pickaxe Mountain
A report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) released Wednesday indicates that 2026 has seen more road activity at Pickaxe Mountain than at any previous point in the site's history. The analysis notes a shift from active excavation to internal construction and exterior reinforcement at the site, which is located two kilometers from the Natanz uranium enrichment facility. While CSIS described the activity as suspicious, it could not confirm reports that Iran has relocated uranium centrifuges to the location.
Military Escalation and Naval Attacks
The regional conflict has intensified with both sides reporting direct military actions. Iran stated on Wednesday that it launched ballistic missiles at a U.S. military base in Jordan and attacked 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz. In response to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeting a U.S. Navy warship, U.S. Central Command reported the destruction of five Iranian oil tankers. These developments have impacted global energy markets, with Brent crude futures trading at $100.40 per barrel on Thursday.
Timeline
- June 2025U.S. forces struck Iranian nuclear sites in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
- WednesdayPresident Trump issued a warning to Iran and CSIS released a report on Pickaxe Mountain activity.
- Thursday morningBrent crude futures traded at $100.40 per barrel following regional military escalations.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by CNBC Europe.
