Israel Suspects Iran Hid Nuclear Equipment Inside Pickaxe Mountain Complex Near Natanz, Report Says

Israeli intelligence suggests that Iran relocated thousands of uranium enrichment centrifuges to the fortified Pickaxe Mountain complex near Natanz, raising concerns about the potential for Iran to enhance its nuclear capabilities.

Israeli intelligence officials believe Iran transferred thousands of uranium enrichment centrifuges into the heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain complex near the Natanz nuclear facility last year, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

The assessment has reportedly been shared with US officials, although it remains unclear whether Washington plans to take any action based on the intelligence.

Pickaxe Mountain is located near Natanz, one of Iran’s most important nuclear sites and one of the facilities targeted in US airstrikes in June 2025. Experts cited by the Journal say the underground complex is buried roughly 300 to 450 feet beneath solid rock, making it significantly harder to strike than surface installations.

The reported movement of centrifuges has raised concerns among Israeli and Western officials that Iran could preserve or rapidly rebuild parts of its nuclear programme even after damage to other facilities.

Satellite imagery has shown continued construction and activity around the mountain for more than a year. David Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security, told the Journal that the Israeli assessment was “plausible” given the sustained activity observed at the site.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director Rafael Grossi said earlier this year that Iran had informed the agency in 2021 of its intention to conduct nuclear related activity at Pickaxe Mountain, but Tehran has not provided further details about the project.

Western officials have also focused on Iran’s stockpile of 60 per cent enriched uranium, which is considered close to weapons grade. Analysts say the key concern is a “covert breakout” scenario in which Iran could move enrichment activities to a hidden or difficult to inspect location and advance toward nuclear weapons capability.

Nate Swanson, a former White House National Security Council official responsible for Iran policy, told the Journal that the inability to verify what is happening at the site highlights the need for international inspections.

The report surfaced as the United States continued a sustained military campaign against Iran. US Central Command said recent strikes have targeted Iranian military command centres, missile and drone launch sites, maritime capabilities and air defence systems in an effort to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has not publicly responded to the specific allegation that centrifuges were moved into the Pickaxe Mountain complex.