US Tests Deep-Penetration Munitions in New Mexico as Iran Fortifies Pickaxe Mountain
The U.S. military has conducted classified live-fire tests at the Alternate Seismic Hardrock in Situ Test (ALT-SHIST) site in New Mexico to develop methods for striking Iran’s deeply buried Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility. Simultaneously, satellite imagery reveals a historic surge in construction activity at the Iranian site, prompting President Trump to threaten imminent strikes. While analysts confirm the facility is not yet operational for enrichment, the U.S. is actively refining its Massive Ordnance Penetrator capabilities to address targets that previous operations left untouched.