President Donald Trump insists that US strikes this summer “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program, but regional experts dispute that claim and warn that another Israel-Iran war may be looming, the New York Times reports. The 2015 nuclear deal has expired, sanctions are back in force, and Iran is blocking inspectors from new facilities. Israel believes Iran still holds enough enriched uranium for up to 11 nuclear bombs, while Tehran claims its stockpile was destroyed.
Iran is reportedly building a new underground site, dubbed Pickaxe Mountain, without international oversight. Analysts say this uncertainty could trigger another Israeli strike, as Israel views Iran’s nuclear progress as an existential threat. Tehran, meanwhile, is said to be preparing for massive retaliation involving firing two thousand missiles a day at Israel, and not 500 in twelve days.
Across the region, Iran is increasingly isolated as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE deepen cooperation with Washington and Trump, seeking stability while avoiding direct confrontation with Tehran and its network of proxies. (Ed note: Pickaxe Mountain is an underground nuclear facility in Iran located in the Zagros mountain range, approximately one mile south of the Natanz nuclear facility.) Read More)
