US strikes enter 11th night as Trump targets “Pickaxe Mountain” nuclear site

Neena Mae Rayos, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
July 22, 2026

(Photo Courtesy: Canva)

TEHRAN, Iran – President Donald Trump has declared that U.S. military operations against Iran are far from over, warning that Tehran would require 20 to 25 years to recover from the extensive damage inflicted during the resurgent Middle East conflict.

U.S. forces concluded their eleventh consecutive night of airstrikes designed to degrade Iran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump indicated that the underground “Pickaxe Mountain” nuclear complex near Natanz could be the next major target, stating, “We’ll be hitting that area pretty soon, and very heavily.” Iran’s Khatam Al-Anbiya command warned that such an attack would dangerously expand the war.

In retaliation, Iran launched drone and missile strikes against U.S. assets and allies in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain. While most were intercepted by air defenses, Iranian forces threatened even more decisive waves of assaults.

Regional tensions escalated further as Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, threatened to blockade Saudi ports. Saudi Arabia condemned the move, which has already caused some tankers to alter their courses. Trump vowed immediate action against the rebels if they proceed.

Amidst the fighting, diplomatic channels remain open through mediators like Pakistan, even as civilians in Iran face severe economic hardship and the threat of further destruction looms over the region.