U.S Considers Operation to Seize 400kg of Iranian Uranium
Pentagon prepares for potential ground entry into Iran to secure enriched material as President weighs one of the most complex military missions in U.S. history
President Donald Trump is weighing a complex and dangerous military operation to extract more than 400 kilograms of enriched uranium from Iranian territory, according to reports from American officials. The mission would aim to prevent Tehran from achieving nuclear breakout capability by physically removing the material from the country.
The proposed plan involves a significant level of risk, as it could require U.S. special forces to remain inside Iranian territory for several days or even up to a week.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Chief Rafael Grossi has indicated that the bulk of Iran's enriched material is stored at the Isfahan and Natanz facilities.
Troops would have to operate under the constant threat of Iranian missiles and drones while securing sites, scanning for mines, and transporting the material in specialized, high-security containers.
The mission might require the rapid construction of temporary infrastructure on-site to facilitate the safe and secure evacuation of the uranium.
While the military option is being actively prepared, the White House continues to pursue a dual-track strategy.
The Ultimatum: President Trump has urged his advisors to pressure Tehran into voluntarily transferring the uranium as part of a broader deal to end the war, while making it clear that the U.S. is prepared to take the material by force if necessary.
Mediators: Indirect talks are reportedly continuing through intermediaries in Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt, as no direct diplomatic channel exists between Washington and Tehran.
Historical Precedent: U.S. officials have noted that there are historical precedents for the diplomatic transfer of enriched material, citing past successful operations in Kazakhstan and Georgia.
The Pentagon is already expanding the President’s tactical options through a massive regional buildup.
Rapid response forces and Marine units have already been deployed to the region.
Military leadership is evaluating the deployment of thousands of additional troops to support either a limited ground operation or a large-scale extraction mission.
Experts estimate that prior to the escalation of the conflict, Iran possessed over 400kg of 60% enriched uranium and 200kg of 20% enriched material. This material can be rapidly converted to the 90% "weapons-grade" level required for a nuclear bomb.