Trump Threatens Strike on Iran’s Deep Underground Nuclear Site at Mount Kook

US President Donald Trump threatened on July 13, 2026, that the United States may soon strike a mysterious nuclear site located deep underground at Mount Kook in Iran. The site, near the known Natanz uranium enrichment facility, has never been inspected by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors. Trump described Mount Kook as a "possible target for a big, beautiful strike," suggesting imminent military action.

The threat follows a recent report based on satellite imagery indicating that Iran continues suspicious construction activities at the underground complex, potentially violating the June 17 memorandum of understanding with the US. Iran claims the site is used for manufacturing centrifuges, but Western intelligence suspects it also houses undeclared uranium enrichment operations.

Mount Kook, known in Persian as "Kohe Ah Kolang," is buried up to 600 meters deep in granite rock, making it more fortified than the Fordow enrichment plant, which was targeted by US strikes last year. Satellite analysis from late June shows ongoing vehicle movement and tunnel reinforcement, suggesting active work to strengthen the facility against possible airstrikes.

The IAEA has never visited Mount Kook because Iran has not declared it as a uranium enrichment site. Since 2021, Iran has suspended implementation of the Additional Protocol, limiting international inspections at centrifuge production and other nuclear-related sites. Western governments and experts have long expressed concern that Mount Kook’s depth and construction could enable sensitive nuclear activities in a highly protected location, especially as other main nuclear sites have been damaged or destroyed.

Trump’s explicit mention of Mount Kook marks a rare direct reference to this secretive site amid escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and compliance with international agreements.