Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran’s conflict with Israel is still ongoing and warned that Tehran’s nuclear program continues to remain a major concern. Netanyahu also claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and believed to be hiding in a secret bunker after taking power following the reported death of Ali Khamenei during a US-Israeli airstrike. Netanyahu said Iran still possesses enriched uranium and nuclear facilities that must be dismantled befor
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran’s conflict with Israel is still ongoing and warned that Tehran’s nuclear program continues to remain a major concern. Netanyahu also claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and believed to be hiding in a secret bunker after taking power following the reported death of Ali Khamenei during a US-Israeli airstrike. Netanyahu said Iran still possesses enriched uranium and nuclear facilities that must be dismantled befor
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised concerns over North Korea’s increasing nuclear capabilities, citing a significant rise in activity at the Yongbyon nuclear complex. Rafael Grossi, the head of the IAEA, confirmed during his visit to Seoul that the agency has observed intensified operations at the five-megawatt reactor and the reprocessing unit at Yongbyon. Grossi noted that these developments signal a troubling expansion of North Korea’s nuclear weapons production c
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised concerns over North Korea’s increasing nuclear capabilities, citing a significant rise in activity at the Yongbyon nuclear complex. Rafael Grossi, the head of the IAEA, confirmed during his visit to Seoul that the agency has observed intensified operations at the five-megawatt reactor and the reprocessing unit at Yongbyon. Grossi noted that these developments signal a troubling expansion of North Korea’s nuclear weapons production c
Iran has denied inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency access to several nuclear sites struck during a 12-day conflict involving Israel and the United States in June, according to a confidential report circulated among member states. The development has left the UN watchdog unable to verify the status of Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities or confirm the size and location of its enriched uranium stockpile.
In its latest assessment, the Vienna-based nuclear monit
Iran has denied inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency access to several nuclear sites struck during a 12-day conflict involving Israel and the United States in June, according to a confidential report circulated among member states. The development has left the UN watchdog unable to verify the status of Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities or confirm the size and location of its enriched uranium stockpile.
In its latest assessment, the Vienna-based nuclear monit
US President Donald Trump has said he is considering a limited military strike on Iran if ongoing negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme fail to result in a final agreement, raising fresh concerns about escalating tensions in the Middle East. The remarks followed a second round of high-level talks in Geneva that concluded without a comprehensive deal, despite what officials described as a technical breakthrough in certain areas of discussion. While negotiators appeared to narrow differen
US President Donald Trump has said he is considering a limited military strike on Iran if ongoing negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme fail to result in a final agreement, raising fresh concerns about escalating tensions in the Middle East. The remarks followed a second round of high-level talks in Geneva that concluded without a comprehensive deal, despite what officials described as a technical breakthrough in certain areas of discussion. While negotiators appeared to narrow differen
Fresh satellite imagery indicates that Iran is strengthening an underground complex near its main nuclear installation at Natanz, a development that analysts say could complicate diplomatic efforts and heighten regional security concerns. The activity has been observed at a mountainous site known as Pickaxe Mountain, located roughly 1.6 kilometres south of the uranium enrichment facility in central Iran, and appears to involve new concrete structures and expanded tunnel protections.
The construction comes at a time of renewed friction between Tehran and Washington. Former US president Donald Trump has repeatedly warned of possible military action if Iran does not reach an agreement over its nuclear programme, while Iranian officials have vowed to respond to any strike. The exchange of threats has added to fears of escalation across West Asia, where US forces have increased their presence and longstanding rivalries continue to shape the strategic landscape.
Images reviewed by analysts from the Institute for Science and International Security, a Washington-based think tank that tracks nuclear proliferation risks, show what appears to be fresh concrete poured over at least one tunnel entrance. Equipment consistent with a boom pump used for concrete delivery is visible at the site, suggesting active reinforcement work. Nearby, rock and soil appear to have been cleared and levelled, and additional concrete-reinforced structures have been erected close to the entrances.
Researchers who have monitored the area for several years say the scale of excavation and the amount of construction material suggest the site could support more than routine maintenance. The depth of the tunnels, estimated to be between 79 and 100 metres underground, may offer significant protection from aerial attacks and surveillance, potentially making the facility more resilient than other known installations. Such characteristics have drawn scrutiny from non-proliferation experts, who view hardened underground sites as capable of hosting sensitive operations such as centrifuge assembly or uranium enrichment.
Iran has previously said that Pickaxe Mountain could be used for manufacturing and assembling centrifuges, devices required for nuclear fuel production. Tehran maintains that its nuclear activities are intended solely for peaceful purposes, including energy generation and medical research, and has repeatedly denied pursuing a nuclear weapon. However, the limited access granted to international inspectors has raised questions among watchdog groups and foreign governments about transparency and compliance.
The site was not among those reportedly targeted during earlier US strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, which officials described at the time as severely damaging key facilities. Analysts now suggest that any reconstruction of centrifuge capacity in protected locations like Pickaxe Mountain could allow Iran to restore or expand operations more quickly if other sites are disrupted.
International observers emphasize that the situation underscores the importance of oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Experts argue that greater disclosure and inspections are essential to clarify the purpose of the new construction and to reduce the risk of miscalculation. Without verifiable information, they warn, suspicion could deepen and diplomatic efforts may face additional obstacles.
As tensions persist, the developments at Pickaxe Mountain have become another focal point in the broader debate over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, regional stability, and the fragile balance between deterrence and diplomacy.
Fresh satellite imagery indicates that Iran is strengthening an underground complex near its main nuclear installation at Natanz, a development that analysts say could complicate diplomatic efforts and heighten regional security concerns. The activity has been observed at a mountainous site known as Pickaxe Mountain, located roughly 1.6 kilometres south of the uranium enrichment facility in central Iran, and appears to involve new concrete structures and expanded tunnel protections.
The construction comes at a time of renewed friction between Tehran and Washington. Former US president Donald Trump has repeatedly warned of possible military action if Iran does not reach an agreement over its nuclear programme, while Iranian officials have vowed to respond to any strike. The exchange of threats has added to fears of escalation across West Asia, where US forces have increased their presence and longstanding rivalries continue to shape the strategic landscape.
Images reviewed by analysts from the Institute for Science and International Security, a Washington-based think tank that tracks nuclear proliferation risks, show what appears to be fresh concrete poured over at least one tunnel entrance. Equipment consistent with a boom pump used for concrete delivery is visible at the site, suggesting active reinforcement work. Nearby, rock and soil appear to have been cleared and levelled, and additional concrete-reinforced structures have been erected close to the entrances.
Researchers who have monitored the area for several years say the scale of excavation and the amount of construction material suggest the site could support more than routine maintenance. The depth of the tunnels, estimated to be between 79 and 100 metres underground, may offer significant protection from aerial attacks and surveillance, potentially making the facility more resilient than other known installations. Such characteristics have drawn scrutiny from non-proliferation experts, who view hardened underground sites as capable of hosting sensitive operations such as centrifuge assembly or uranium enrichment.
Iran has previously said that Pickaxe Mountain could be used for manufacturing and assembling centrifuges, devices required for nuclear fuel production. Tehran maintains that its nuclear activities are intended solely for peaceful purposes, including energy generation and medical research, and has repeatedly denied pursuing a nuclear weapon. However, the limited access granted to international inspectors has raised questions among watchdog groups and foreign governments about transparency and compliance.
The site was not among those reportedly targeted during earlier US strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, which officials described at the time as severely damaging key facilities. Analysts now suggest that any reconstruction of centrifuge capacity in protected locations like Pickaxe Mountain could allow Iran to restore or expand operations more quickly if other sites are disrupted.
International observers emphasize that the situation underscores the importance of oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Experts argue that greater disclosure and inspections are essential to clarify the purpose of the new construction and to reduce the risk of miscalculation. Without verifiable information, they warn, suspicion could deepen and diplomatic efforts may face additional obstacles.
As tensions persist, the developments at Pickaxe Mountain have become another focal point in the broader debate over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, regional stability, and the fragile balance between deterrence and diplomacy.
An Iranian man has reportedly taken his own life after recording and sharing a video message in which he appealed directly to former US President Donald Trump to halt any diplomatic engagement with Iran’s current leadership. The man, identified by activists and Iranian media as Pouria Hamidi, was from the southern port city of Bushehr. His death has drawn renewed attention to ongoing political tensions inside Iran and the wider international debate surrounding Tehran’s relations with Wash
An Iranian man has reportedly taken his own life after recording and sharing a video message in which he appealed directly to former US President Donald Trump to halt any diplomatic engagement with Iran’s current leadership. The man, identified by activists and Iranian media as Pouria Hamidi, was from the southern port city of Bushehr. His death has drawn renewed attention to ongoing political tensions inside Iran and the wider international debate surrounding Tehran’s relations with Wash
US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, cautioning the nation against any attempts to revive its nuclear enrichment program. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump asserted that Iran “will not enrich,” adding that “the last thing they want to do is enrich.” In his statement, he emphasized that Iran would not be able to produce nuclear weapons any time soon and dismissed claims that Iran had successfully removed uranium from key nuclear
US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, cautioning the nation against any attempts to revive its nuclear enrichment program. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump asserted that Iran “will not enrich,” adding that “the last thing they want to do is enrich.” In his statement, he emphasized that Iran would not be able to produce nuclear weapons any time soon and dismissed claims that Iran had successfully removed uranium from key nuclear
The United Nations Security Council convened on Sunday for an emergency session to address the United States’ recent airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The meeting, called at Iran’s request, quickly turned into a tense diplomatic confrontation, with many member states voicing strong disapproval of the military action and warning of its potential consequences for regional and global stability.
The strikes, carried out jointly by the United States and Isra
The United Nations Security Council convened on Sunday for an emergency session to address the United States’ recent airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The meeting, called at Iran’s request, quickly turned into a tense diplomatic confrontation, with many member states voicing strong disapproval of the military action and warning of its potential consequences for regional and global stability.
The strikes, carried out jointly by the United States and Isra
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that there has been no radiation leak following recent US-led airstrikes on three of Iran’s major nuclear facilities Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. These attacks, carried out overnight on Sunday as part of escalating US and Israeli military actions, prompted international concerns over potential nuclear fallout. However, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi reassured that radiation levels r
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that there has been no radiation leak following recent US-led airstrikes on three of Iran’s major nuclear facilities Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. These attacks, carried out overnight on Sunday as part of escalating US and Israeli military actions, prompted international concerns over potential nuclear fallout. However, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi reassured that radiation levels r
