A report by The Wall Street Journal reveals that US President Donald Trump is considering a high-risk military operation to extract nearly 1,000 pounds of uranium from Iran. The proposed mission is described as complex and dangerous, potentially requiring US forces to remain inside the Iranian territory for several days or longer.
According to US officials, no final decision has been made. Trump is reportedly weighing the risks to American forces, but remains open to the plan due to its potential to achieve a central objective: preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Pressure Strategy and Seizure Scenario
A source familiar with the discussions indicated that Trump has encouraged his advisers to pressure Iran into handing over the uranium as a condition for ending the war. In private conversations with political allies, he reportedly emphasised that Tehran cannot be allowed to retain such materials.
At the same time, the option of forcibly seizing the uranium has been discussed in the event Iran refuses to comply during negotiations. Parallel diplomatic efforts have involved intermediaries including Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt, though no direct negotiations to end the war have taken place so far.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that the Department of Defence is tasked with preparing a range of options to provide the commander-in-chief with maximum flexibility, stressing that this does not constitute a final decision. Both the Pentagon and US Central Command declined to comment.
Nuclear Stockpiles and Strategic Targets
Speaking to reporters, Trump warned Iran to comply with US demands, stating that it “will not have a country” if it fails to do so, adding: “They will give us the nuclear dust.”
The report noted that before joint US and Israeli airstrikes in June, Iran was believed to possess over 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, and approximately 200 kilograms enriched to 20 percent. These materials could be relatively easily converted to 90 percent enrichment, the level required for nuclear weapons.
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, stated that these materials are likely stored in two of the three sites that were targeted: an underground tunnel at the Isfahan facility and stockpiles at Natanz. He also noted that Iran retains the capability to reconstruct new enrichment facilities if needed.
Operational Complexity and Military Risks
According to informed sources, Trump and some of his allies believe that a targeted operation to seize these materials may not significantly prolong the war and could potentially bring it to an end by mid-April.
However, military experts have warned that any attempt to capture uranium by force would be highly complex and dangerous. Such an operation could provoke an Iranian response and expand the conflict beyond the projected timeline of four to six weeks.
Experts explained that the mission would require deploying US forces into hostile territory under the threat of missiles and drones, securing the surrounding area, and then dispatching specialised teams to handle and remove radioactive materials. These materials are believed to be stored in 40 to 50 specialised cylinders, which would need to be transported using dedicated vehicles.
Nuclear expert Richard Nephew stated that the operation could require multiple transport trucks, while retired General Joseph Votel emphasised that the mission would be neither quick nor simple, potentially taking several days or even up to a week.
Diplomatic Track and Military Preparedness
The report also highlighted that the United States has previously conducted similar operations under peaceful conditions, including the transfer of uranium from Kazakhstan in 1994 under Project Sapphire, and from Georgia in 1998 to Scotland.
Despite the military considerations, Trump continues to pursue a diplomatic resolution, calling on Iran to dismantle its nuclear program through a negotiated agreement. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that American objectives could be achieved without a ground invasion.
US assessments indicate that Iran is not currently enriching uranium, but would need to increase enrichment levels and develop a nuclear warhead to produce a weapon. It is also believed that Iran does not currently possess intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of striking US territory.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon continues to prepare multiple contingency plans, including the potential deployment of up to 10,000 additional troops, with Marine and airborne units on standby for rapid deployment to secure strategic sites if a presidential order is issued.
