Iran Accelerates Nuclear Bomb Program, Evading US Strikes

Iran has reportedly found a way to develop a nuclear bomb without fear of U.S. military strikes, according to CNN. The country has accelerated construction of a suspected nuclear facility, deeply buried within granite rock near Natanz. Satellite imagery indicates a significant increase in work on the site in 2026. This facility is believed to be designed to protect centrifuges and enrichment capabilities from advanced American bunker-buster munitions.

While former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously considered striking the "Pickaxe Mountain" facility, even the most powerful non-nuclear U.S. bombs might be incapable of penetrating such a deep fortification. U.S. intelligence suggests that the United States is actively seeking ways to neutralize this threat. Just before the start of a war, a Pentagon-affiliated agency for combating weapons of mass destruction awarded an urgent contract to restore an underground granite complex at White Sands, intended for simulating strikes against Iran's most fortified bunkers. The U.S. is currently developing a next-generation munition designed to target deeply buried facilities.

Analysts at CSIS estimate that "Pickaxe Mountain" is not yet operational, but construction has moved from large-scale excavation to interior finishing and reinforcement. Reports of Iran relocating its centrifuges to this well-protected underground facility have heightened expert concerns. Specialists warn that underestimating the situation is dangerous, as Iran acquiring nuclear weapons could significantly alter the regional balance of power. Former President Trump had stated that the U.S. is closely monitoring Iran's actions and is prepared to launch a powerful strike if a threat emerges, with particular attention paid to the Mahosh mountain area.