🛰️ IRAN REPORTEDLY MOVED THOUSANDS OF CENTRIFUGES UNDERGROUND: Israeli intelligence estimates reviewed by the U.S. indicate that Iran transferred thousands of uranium-enrichment centrifuges into tunnels beneath the "Pickaxe Mountain" complex last fall, following the June 2025 12-day war, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The equipment was buried deep underground, making it more difficult to target in aerial strikes. During the 12-day war, the U.S. deployed B-52 bombers to strike Iran’s underground nuclear facilities, while Iran’s three main nuclear sites at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan were heavily damaged.
Construction of the fortified complex, tunneled into the Zagros range near Natanz, began in 2020 following sabotage at an above-ground facility. The site reportedly remains incomplete, and it is unclear whether active enrichment is taking place.
The complex could serve as secure storage or as a backup site for rebuilding Iran’s nuclear program. However, the intelligence assessments qualify that storing centrifuges there does not prove an active enrichment facility exists and may indicate that Iran is protecting equipment that survived last year’s strikes.
President Trump said last week that 'Pickaxe is a possible target for a nice big fat shot right near the front door' — The Wall Street Journal.
The Wall Street Journal reported: "Despite U.S. and Israeli strikes, Iranian missiles have gotten faster and deadlier. U.S. officials believe Iran still retains the ability to further develop its military capabilities".
💥 U.S. CONDUCTS TENTH CONSECUTIVE NIGHT OF STRIKES: The U.S. launched another wave of strikes against Iranian military targets.
Mehr reported that an industrial unit outside Khomein was targeted. Explosions were also reported in Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, southern Qeshm Island, Chabahar and Konarak.
Air-defense systems were heard near the Bushehr nuclear power plant, according to Farsna and Mehr.
An IRNA correspondent reported at least 14 large and small explosions in Chabahar and Konarak. Tasnim subsequently reported renewed explosions near both ports.
U.S. Central Command stated: "U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) completed another round of strikes against Iran at 9 p.m. ET, July 20. U.S. forces struck Iranian military command centers, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and air defense systems to degrade Iran's ability to continue attacking commercial vessels flowing through the Strait of Hormuz. Commercial vessel transits through the vital international maritime corridor continue. Since early May, CENTCOM forces have helped facilitate the transit of approximately 900 commercial vessels and 450 million barrels of crude oil."
CENTCOM said the operation marked the tenth consecutive night of strikes on Iranian command centers, missile and drone launch sites, maritime assets and air-defense systems intended to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Separate reports claimed that U.S. forces destroyed a major drone-manufacturing facility in Shiraz and struck Iran’s Southwest Tabriz Missile Base, which was reportedly used to attack American bases in Jordan, with at least 20 missiles.
The reports also claimed that an IRGC headquarters described as the primary location from which Iran controlled its air force was completely destroyed, with surrounding buildings also destroyed in the attack.
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