WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could launch military strikes on Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain “probably pretty soon,” amid reports that Tehran may have relocated nuclear centrifuges to the underground enrichment facility.
Speaking during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House, Trump said reports about Iran moving centrifuges had not been independently confirmed but argued that such a move would not significantly alter the situation.
According to Trump, Iran still cannot access its stockpiles of enriched uranium, which he said remain buried deep underground following previous US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. He added that the United States is closely monitoring those locations to ensure the material is not recovered.
“We’ll be hitting that area probably pretty soon, and there’s not a thing they can do about it,” Trump said, warning that Washington would target any site where Iran attempts to restore or develop nuclear capabilities.
He added that if Iran tries to rebuild any nuclear-related facility, the United States would respond with “very powerful” military action.
More Read
Trump has repeatedly threatened strikes on Pickaxe Mountain and other Iranian infrastructure over the past week, maintaining pressure on Tehran as tensions between the two countries continue to rise.
Reports have previously indicated that Trump has at times preferred to keep Iran uncertain about US intentions by making forceful public statements, even when military action is not immediately planned.
When asked how long it would take the US military to restore safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump avoided giving a direct timeline.
More Read
“We’re not finished at all, but if we left right now, it would take them 20 to 25 years to rebuild. But we’re not leaving right now,” he said.
Trump also criticized Iran’s leadership over its treatment of anti-government protesters, accusing the authorities of using excessive force against civilians.
His latest remarks come just days after he publicly welcomed Iran’s release of an American citizen who had been detained by Iranian authorities.
