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The United States is pressing Iran over the Pickaxe Mountain site near Natanz, with multiple outlets reporting continued construction, potential centrifuge activity, and warnings of imminent strikes as the war escalates. President Trump has warned of heavy action, while analysts debate the site’s depth and capabilities. International inspectors have not accessed the facility.
Brent crude has climbed toward $97 a barrel after renewed exchanges of strikes between the United States and Iran over the past week. US strikes have hit sites along Iran's southern coast while Iran has attacked US-linked vessels and bases in the region; shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains constrained and US pump and diesel prices have risen.
The IAEA has terminated its nearly two‑decade investigation into Syria's undeclared nuclear activities after inspectors visited sites in Deir ez‑Zor and a previously undisclosed location. Inspectors have uncovered a near‑complete reactor, a fuel‑fabrication plant and about 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal; the material is now under IAEA containment and surveillance measures.