U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran on Wednesday against activity at a suspected nuclear site on Pickaxe Mountain, stating the U.S. would "have to hit them very hard" if Iran "gets cute." This warning follows a barrage of attacks between both countries on tankers near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

An analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), published Wednesday, showed a "clear surge" in construction activity at Pickaxe Mountain in 2026, indicating a shift from excavation to internal construction. Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons.

Earlier this week, Iran claimed to have fired ballistic missiles at a U.S. military base in Jordan and attacked 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command forces previously reported destroying five Iranian oil tankers in response to Iranian attacks on a U.S. Navy warship.

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