The Wall Street Journal reports that Israeli intelligence assesses Iran has moved thousands of centrifuges to the underground Mount Pikaks nuclear facility following the conclusion of Operation Rising Lion. Prime Minister Netanyahu called on President Trump to heavily strike the fortified site, and Trump said it is a potential target, according to the report.
The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday evening that Israeli intelligence believes Iran has transferred thousands of enriched uranium centrifuges to tunnels under Mount Pikaks, a hardened nuclear site, after the end of Operation Rising Lion in June. The report, cited by an Israeli security outlet, states that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on President Donald Trump to launch a heavy strike on the site, and Trump indicated it is a possible target for attack.
The Zioneer has been tracking this story. Earlier today, at 08:04 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported on the transfer and Trump's vow to strike. A subsequent bulletin at 18:45 Jerusalem, minutes before this report, further detailed the same intelligence assessment. The current WSJ report adds the specific attribution and confirmation of Netanyahu's direct appeal to Trump.
The Mount Pikaks site has been a focal point of US-Israeli tensions with Iran. President Trump has repeatedly threatened to strike the facility, which is reportedly buried deep underground and resistant to conventional bunker busters. The US has been deploying additional refueling aircraft to the region, as The Zioneer reported on July 18, signaling preparations for a wider operation. The intelligence assessment suggests Iran is moving its most sensitive nuclear assets to the site in anticipation of a potential attack.
It remains unclear whether the centrifuge transfer has been completed or is ongoing. The WSJ report does not provide a timeline. No official confirmation from Israeli or US officials has been released. The story is developing.
2 developments
- DevelopingWSJ: Trump weighs three escalation options in Iran, including Kharg Island seizure, Mount Pikaks bombing
- StrongIsraeli delegation pressed Washington on Mount Pikaks, spurring Trump's public threat — Channel 14
- DevelopingZioneer analysis: Trump threatens Mount Pikaks; only tactical nuke or ground op can destroy site
- DevelopingReport: Jerusalem 'surprised' by Trump's ceasefire announcement, believed he was leaning toward strikes on Iran
Source and signal
- Internal intake