Iran Claims U.S. Pilot Mission Was Secret Raid to Steal Enriched Uranium
Tehran levels explosive allegations against Washington, claiming the dramatic rescue of a downed F-15E crew in Isfahan was a "deception mission" targeting Iran’s nuclear stockpiles | U.S. dismisses "uranium theft" claims as fiction following successful 36-hour special ops extraction.
Iranian military officials have publicly accused the United States of using a high-profile pilot rescue mission in southern Isfahan province as a cover for a secret operation to seize enriched uranium from nearby nuclear facilities.
In statements released on April 5–6, 2026, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters and Revolutionary Guards described the large-scale U.S. search-and-rescue effort as a “deception and escape mission” planned under the pretext of recovering a downed American airman. A military spokesman, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, stated that U.S. forces used an abandoned airport in southern Isfahan for the operation, which Iran claims was “completely foiled.”
Iranian sources allege the real objective was not solely to extract the crew of a downed F-15E Strike Eagle but to raid nuclear-related sites in the Isfahan area, home to key uranium storage and processing facilities and steal enriched uranium stockpiles. They say Iranian forces destroyed multiple U.S. aircraft, including two C-130 transport planes and two Black Hawk helicopters, during the alleged infiltration attempt.
The claims come amid heightened tensions following the downing of the U.S. fighter jet over Iran earlier in the week. While the U.S. has confirmed the successful rescue of both crew members after an intense 36-hour operation involving special forces, helicopters, and transport aircraft, American officials have strongly denied any ulterior motives and described the mission as a standard combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) effort.
Isfahan province hosts significant elements of Iran’s nuclear program, including facilities that have held large quantities of enriched uranium in the past. Independent verification of Iran’s specific allegations about a uranium theft attempt has not been possible, and no evidence has emerged showing that any nuclear material was removed.
The Iranian narrative has been amplified by state media and social media accounts, with some framing the entire U.S. operation as part of a broader effort to disrupt Iran’s nuclear capabilities under the guise of a humanitarian rescue.