Iran adds new defenses at deeply buried nuclear site after Trump warns Islamic State not to ‘get cute’

Efrat Lachter / Fox News 

New satellite imagery shows Iran has added new defenses around tunnel entrances at Pickaxe Mountain, the deeply buried nuclear-linked site President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to strike, as Russia and China on Thursday vetoed a U.S.-drafted Security Council resolution aimed at preserving international monitoring of sanctions on Tehran.

The Institute for Science and International Security said in a report released Thursday that satellite imagery from Sept. 11 shows earthen roadblocks remain in place on roads leading to Pickaxe Mountain’s western tunnel portals near the Natanz nuclear complex. The institute said the continued restricted access reinforces its assessment that the facility is not currently being used for normal operations, while assessing that valuable equipment or materials remain inside.

The report also identified additional soil placed over one western tunnel portal and over a nearby cluster of entrances first built in 2007. The institute said the added soil increases the amount of earth protecting the entrances and helps harden them against aerial bombardment. Read more, and see photos here. 

Trump says he has a ‘big decision’ coming up on Iran: ‘Do I want to go in and annihilate them?’

Ronny Reyes / NEW YORK POST  

President Trump said Thursday that he was at a crossroads over whether to renew attacks in Iran to wipe out the regime and bring the war to an end.

“I have a big decision coming up. Do I want to go in and annihilate them or do I not?” he told Axios. “It’s a big decision. Anything could happen with me.”

Trump’s comments echo previous threats he’s levied against Tehran since the war began. 

But this time, he said, his next move is likely to be influenced by his meetings with Gulf allies at next week’s United Nations General Assembly meeting.

“I want to find out where they are and how they are doing. We have been very protective of them,” Trump added.

Tensions are expected to be high at the gathering after the Iran-backed Houthis launched fierce attacks on Saudi Arabia this past week, threatening global oil and gas supplies.

The UN Security Council already saw a clash on Thursday after Russia and China vetoed a bid to extend an expert panel to monitor sanctions against Iran and the regime’s nuclear program.

RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS...LIVE! 

Today, Friday, September 18th from 7 to 8:00pm EST, RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS Craig Andresen and Diane Sori discuss the latest Iran updates; has Trump's immigration enforcement efforts “gone too far”; income rises negated by inflation; and our Q & A 'Off the Cuff' segment.. Tune in to RIGHT SIDE PATRIOTS on https://rspradio1.com Click 'LISTEN LIVE.'