Trump says activity seen at Iran's Pickaxe Mountain, urges Tehran 'not to get cute' - Reuters

President Donald Trump warned Iran on Wednesday that the United States could strike the fortified Pickaxe Mountain site, urging Tehran “not to get cute” after observing “a little activity” there. The comment was made during a speech at the Republican Party’s midterm convention and referenced the ongoing conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February.

Pickaxe Mountain, located about 220 km (140 miles) south of Tehran and roughly 2 km from the heavily damaged Natanz uranium enrichment facility, is described as a fortified installation containing two deeply buried tunnel complexes. Trump has been threatening to target the site since at least mid‑July, and his latest remarks suggested that any Iranian provocation could be met with a “very hard” response.

The president also linked the conflict to rising oil and gas prices, stating that the surge caused by the war is unlikely to ease until after the U.S. midterm elections in November. He noted that his advisers have warned the war could continue throughout the remainder of his presidency, and he implied that the conflict might be resolved immediately after the elections, accusing Tehran of attempting to influence the outcome.

The broader hostilities have involved multiple parties. Following the February attacks, Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Israel and Gulf states that host U.S. bases. Subsequent U.S.–Israeli operations against Iranian targets and Israeli attacks on Lebanon have resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people, according to the reports.

Trump’s statements reflect the Republican Party’s focus on the war’s economic impact as a campaign issue ahead of the November midterms. The administration’s position is that continued Iranian activity at sites like Pickaxe Mountain could prompt further U.S. military action, while also emphasizing the potential for the conflict to affect domestic political dynamics.

No official response from Iranian officials was included in the available reports, and the exact nature of the “activity” observed at Pickaxe Mountain was not detailed. The situation remains fluid as both sides monitor developments ahead of the upcoming U.S. elections.