Iran moved nuclear centrifuges underground, Israel claims

JERUSALEM: Israeli intelligence believes Iran secretly transferred thousands of uranium enrichment centrifuges into tunnels beneath Pickaxe Mountain last autumn, a move that could make the country’s nuclear equipment significantly harder to destroy in future airstrikes, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

The newspaper, citing Israeli intelligence assessments shared with the United States, reported that the relocation took place months after the intense 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in June 2025, during which the United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes on three of Iran’s key nuclear facilities.

According to the report, Israeli officials believe Tehran moved large numbers of centrifuges into the mountain’s underground tunnel network to shield the sensitive equipment from potential military attacks. However, the assessment reportedly does not conclude that Iran has already established a new uranium enrichment facility inside the mountain.

Instead, intelligence analysts suggest the equipment may have been relocated simply to protect surviving centrifuges from future strikes following the damage inflicted during last year’s military campaign. The underground location is believed to offer far greater protection against conventional aerial bombardment than Iran’s previously known nuclear sites.

The intelligence findings were reportedly shared with Washington as part of ongoing cooperation between the United States and Israel on monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities.

The issue has gained renewed attention after US President Donald Trump recently identified Pickaxe Mountain as a potential military target. Speaking last week, Trump said a major strike near the mountain’s main entrance could be considered if intelligence showed nuclear-related activity at the site.

At the same time, Trump claimed that the United States was not currently seeing clear evidence of active operations inside the mountain but suggested the situation could change quickly. He added that Pickaxe Mountain remained under close observation and hinted that military action could be taken if necessary.

Earlier this month, CNN reported that newly released satellite imagery showed increased truck traffic and construction activity around the mountain complex. Analysts said the movements could indicate that Iran is repairing or expanding infrastructure damaged during previous attacks, although the images did not provide conclusive proof of renewed uranium enrichment.

Iran has not publicly confirmed the reported transfer of centrifuges or commented on the latest Israeli intelligence claims. Tehran has consistently maintained that its nuclear programme is intended solely for peaceful civilian purposes, while rejecting accusations that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

The latest claims are likely to further heighten tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme at a time when diplomatic efforts remain stalled and regional security concerns continue to grow. If verified, the reported relocation could complicate any future military planning by Israel or the United States, as deeply buried underground facilities are far more difficult to target than surface-level nuclear installations.