U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Iran "not to get cute" over activity at a suspected nuclear site on Pickaxe Mountain, following a barrage of attacks between both countries on tankers around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
"We notice there's a little activity at Pickaxe. I would advise Iran not to get cute because we will have to hit them very hard," Trump said Wednesday at the midterm Republican convention.
Situated near Iran's heavily damaged Natanz uranium enrichment facility, Pickaxe Mountain is regarded as one of the last remaining vestiges of Tehran's nuclear program.
The U.S. president has previously threatened to attack the underground tunnel complex, which is known as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La in Farsi, amid concerns that Iran could reconstitute its nuclear program.
An analysis of satellite imagery by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), published Wednesday, showed more road activity at Pickaxe Mountain in 2026 "than at any point in the site's history" and "a clear surge" in construction activity.