Trump signals possible US strike on Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain soon

Washington’s top diplomat reiterated a warning that the United States might launch an attack on Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain "very soon," the live‑blog from Al Jazeera recorded on Tuesday. President Donald Trump told reporters the decision was under review and that the timing would depend on Tehran’s next moves.

Pickaxe Mountain, located in Iran’s western province of Kermanshah, houses a cluster of missile launch sites and command facilities that the United States has identified as central to Iran’s regional missile program. The area has been the focus of previous U.S. drone strikes, most notably in 2023 when a convoy of mobile launchers was destroyed, prompting Tehran to label the attacks as violations of international law.

The latest statement comes amid a broader escalation in the Middle East, where Iranian-backed militias have stepped up rocket fire toward U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria. In response, the Pentagon has increased surveillance flights over Iranian airspace and warned of “proportionate” retaliation if the attacks continue. Analysts say Trump’s remarks are meant to signal resolve while buying time for diplomatic channels to de‑escalate the situation.

Historically, Pickaxe Mountain has been a flashpoint in U.S.–Iran relations. After the 2018 U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Washington intensified its campaign against what it described as Iran’s “ballistic missile infrastructure.” Each strike has been justified as a preventive measure, though critics argue they risk widening the conflict. The site’s rugged terrain makes it difficult to verify damage, leading to a persistent information gap that both sides exploit.

The president’s warning could influence regional actors, including Israel and Saudi Arabia, which have been urging a tougher U.S. stance. It also places pressure on European powers seeking to mediate a cease‑fire. If an attack is launched, it would likely be preceded by a diplomatic warning and could trigger a series of retaliatory strikes from Iranian proxies, potentially drawing the conflict beyond Iran’s borders.

Al Jazeera noted that while Trump’s comments signal a possible shift in policy, the exact timeline remains unclear. Observers will be watching for any movement of U.S. naval assets in the Persian Gulf and for statements from Iran’s military leadership, which has repeatedly warned of “swift and decisive” retaliation should its facilities be hit.