US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: The war in the Middle East has been in a tense situation, especially between the US and Iran, as US President Donald Trump hints that the US could launch military action against Iran’s underground Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility ‘pretty soon’.
The Pentagon has revealed that the war has already cost the US $37.5 billion, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Iran of showing little interest in meaningful talks. At the same time, Israeli forces continued military operations across the occupied West Bank, underscoring the growing instability across the region.Â
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: US Will Attack Pickaxe Mountain ‘Pretty Soon’
President Donald Trump has once again drawn attention to Iran’s underground Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility, suggesting that the United States could target the site in the near future.
Speaking about Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Trump indicated that military action remains an option as Washington continues to increase pressure on Tehran. His latest remarks have renewed speculation over whether the conflict could enter another phase involving direct strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
However, Trump appeared cautious about reports claiming Iran had already moved enriched uranium to the site. “We don’t have it on record.”
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: What is Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain?
Pickaxe Mountain is a heavily protected underground nuclear facility located in central Iran, approximately one mile south of the Natanz uranium enrichment complex.
Iran informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about the site in 2020, describing it as a future centrifuge assembly facility. Construction is believed to still be underway, and experts say the facility has not yet become fully operational.
Because it is built deep beneath a mountain, Pickaxe Mountain is considered one of Iran’s most secure nuclear installations.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Can Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain Be Destroyed?
Military analysts remain divided over whether Pickaxe Mountain can be successfully destroyed. Experts believe the underground facility is protected by layers of rock that could limit the effectiveness of conventional airstrikes.
While the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) has suggested that support infrastructure such as ventilation systems, power supplies and access routes could be targeted, many experts say reaching the core facility would be extremely difficult.
A ground assault would also present major operational challenges because of the site’s location and heavy fortification.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Why is Pickaxe Mountain in Focus?
The facility has attracted global attention after reports suggested Israel believes Iran transferred part of its enriched uranium stockpile and advanced centrifuges there following earlier attacks on Natanz.
If true, the move would make Pickaxe Mountain one of Iran’s most important nuclear assets. Although Israeli intelligence reportedly supports that assessment, President Trump said the US has not confirmed those claims.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: US War Cost $37.5 Billion – Pete Hegseth
During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disclosed that the conflict has cost the United States $37.5 billion so far.
The figure includes projected military expenses through September 30 and represents an increase of nearly $8 billion compared with the previous public estimate.
The hearing marked Hegseth’s first appearance before lawmakers since US military operations against Iran intensified earlier this month.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Do US Need More Funding?
The Pentagon is seeking additional funding from Congress to continue military operations and replenish weapons and equipment used during the conflict.
Several lawmakers questioned the administration’s long-term strategy and asked how success would be measured. Republican Senator John Kennedy pressed administration officials for greater clarity. “We need some hard answers and some straight talk.”
Lawmakers also raised concerns over the absence of a clearly defined end goal despite the growing financial commitment.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Israeli Operation Continue Across the West Bank
While attention remained focused on Iran, Israeli forces continued security operations across the occupied West Bank.
According to Palestinian reports, Israeli troops arrested six people in Tulkarem, including former prisoners and a woman. Three additional arrests were reported in the Fawwar and Arroub refugee camps in the Hebron governorate.
Israeli forces also searched the home of media activist Muhammad Ayad Awad in Beit Ummar.
Meanwhile, demolition operations began in the towns of Nahalin and Za’tara after Israeli courts rejected efforts to halt the demolition of several homes. Troops also raided a residential building near An-Najah National University Hospital in Nablus and questioned residents.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Rubio Claims Tehran is ‘Not Serious’ About Talks
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Iranian government is not showing genuine willingness to negotiate over its nuclear programme.
Rubio argued that Tehran has failed to demonstrate seriousness during diplomatic engagements, raising doubts about the prospects for renewed negotiations.
His comments came as Washington continued to combine military pressure with diplomatic messaging aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear activities.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: What’s Next?
The coming days are expected to be critical for the conflict. Trump’s remarks have intensified speculation about possible US military action against Pickaxe Mountain, while Congress continues to debate additional funding for operations in the region.
At the same time, Israeli military activities in the West Bank and the uncertain future of diplomatic talks with Iran suggest that tensions are unlikely to ease soon. Whether the next phase involves renewed negotiations or further military escalation will depend largely on decisions taken in Washington, Tehran and Jerusalem over the coming weeks.
