Satellite images have shown increased building activity at an Iranian nuclear site known as Pickaxe Mountain, following recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump about a potential military response to Iran's nuclear activities. Trump warned that the U.S. would strike Iran "very hard" if it found evidence of nuclear work at the site. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN's nuclear watchdog, confirmed that nuclear activity is occurring at Pickaxe Mountain, a day after new satellite imagery revealed a noticeable rise in construction at the location. Pickaxe Mountain is a highly secure site believed to contain two deep underground tunnel complexes. Analysis of satellite images also points to active excavation at the site and the nearby Natanz uranium enrichment facility, which has previously been damaged. This development could increase tensions between the U.S. and Iran, especially after Trump reiterated his threat of a military strike on the nuclear site during a recent speech at the Republican midterm convention. Researchers from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies used advanced satellite imaging techniques to analyze the site. These included synthetic aperture radar (SAR) change detection, Sentinel-2 optical imaging, and high-resolution images from Airbus and Satellogic. The findings showed that road activity at Pickaxe Mountain has increased significantly in 2026 compared to previous years, indicating efforts to improve and secure access points and internal roadways. Meanwhile, conflict in Yemen has intensified, adding to regional instability. Houthi militants have captured the Red Sea city of Mocha and are attacking strategic islands in the Red Sea, according to Yemeni sources. Government forces and their allies are moving south to Dhubab, a location directly on the Red Sea strait. Control of Dhubab and nearby islands is crucial for dominance over the strait, which is a key route for global energy supplies. This new front in the conflict threatens to further disrupt energy flows from the Middle East.