Trump Initiates Plan to Seize 1,000 Pounds of Enriched Uranium in Iran

President Donald Trump has reached out to military leaders with a request to formulate a comprehensive plan for an operation focused on capturing around 1,000 pounds of highly enriched uranium from Iran. This information was disclosed by The Washington Post, which cites credible sources within military circles.

According to the published details, military officials presented Trump with a proposal over the past week that includes deploying ground forces, transporting excavation equipment, and establishing a runway for cargo planes capable of evacuating radioactive materials from Iranian territory. This request from the president indicates his serious intention to conduct an extraordinarily sensitive and risky special operation that could significantly alter the situation in the region.

The U.S. administration continues to regard preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons as one of its primary objectives. However, experts emphasize that executing such a plan is an exceptionally complex task, with no historical parallels during wartime. Estimates from former officials suggest that successfully carrying out the mission would require the deployment of hundreds or even thousands of troops, as well as heavy engineering equipment to extract the radioactive material. This operation could last for weeks and would likely take place under fire deep within Iranian territory.

Previously, American officials had presented Iran with a 15-point proposal aimed at ending the war, which included demands for Tehran to relinquish its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium. Trump has referred to this material as "nuclear dust." However, Iran rejected this proposal, despite having previously entertained the possibility of diluting enriched material to a lower level during earlier negotiations before the war began.

Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Mick Mulroy noted that this operation could be one of the largest and most complex special operations in history. He highlighted that such a mission would pose serious dangers to the military personnel involved.

Trump's interest in this scenario is further corroborated by his call for Americans to watch Fox News host Mark Levin, who explicitly stated that the U.S. should utilize specialized ground forces to seize Iran's uranium stockpiles. Despite Trump's promises to end wars, the conflict he initiated has now entered its fifth week, with hostilities largely conducted from the air in coordination with Israel. A large-scale ground operation would signify an entirely different level of risk for American forces.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt commented on the information regarding the plan, stating that the Pentagon's task is to prepare various courses of action to provide the president with maximum options. She emphasized that this does not yet mean the president has made a final decision.

In light of polls indicating that the majority of Americans do not support the war, particularly the introduction of ground troops, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attempted to portray Trump as a decisive leader on Tuesday, stressing that Iran must not acquire a nuclear bomb, and that this will not happen.

In June, the U.S. conducted strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities. However, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the country still possesses around 970 pounds of uranium enriched to 60%, a level close to weapons-grade. Most of this stockpile is stored outside Isfahan, in tunnels over 300 feet deep, while the remainder is located at the Natanz facility and potentially other sites.

Satellite images published by the French newspaper Le Monde and analyzed by the Institute for Science and International Security showed a large platform with 18 blue barrels moving toward the southern entrance of the facility in Isfahan. While it was impossible to definitively ascertain their contents, analysts concluded that they likely contained cylinders of highly enriched uranium being relocated for storage in the tunnel complex ahead of Israeli and American strikes.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated in mid-March that access to the storage area in Isfahan remains blocked by debris following American bombings. He indicated that there has been no significant movement observed since then that would suggest attempts to access the facility.

The material is stored as uranium hexafluoride gas in sealed cylinders resembling scuba tanks. Before it can be used in nuclear weapons, it must be further enriched to over 90% and processed into metal. Sources indicate that reaching the cache in Isfahan would require delivering excavators, breaking through concrete and lead shielding, accessing the bottom of the storage facility, retrieving the containers with nuclear material, and then transporting them by air. Estimates suggest this could take anywhere from several weeks to several months.

Former General Joseph Votel remarked that it would be best to conduct such an operation only after a ceasefire and with the involvement of IAEA inspectors. However, he noted that if a forceful breach becomes necessary, it could also be technically feasible.

At the same time, he warned that such an operation would entail an extraordinarily high level of complexity and likely result in casualties. He added that U.S. special operations forces train specifically for scenarios like this.

Former special operators and officials have also pointed out the immense logistical challenges involved. Initially, it would likely be necessary to strike Iranian defenses to create a corridor for ground forces. Subsequently, troops would need to fly hundreds of miles into Iran, establish a security perimeter around the facilities, and possibly even seize territory via airborne assault — for instance, using the 82nd Airborne Division or Rangers.

Afterward, engineers would likely need to construct a field runway for transporting equipment and supplies. Some gear could be dropped from transport planes or delivered by helicopters, but this would render slow-moving transport aircraft vulnerable to enemy fire.

A large support staff would be required to sustain such a mission: mechanics, drivers, fuelers, and engineers. Additionally, there would be a constant need for food and water supplies. Furthermore, sources indicate that civilian nuclear safety specialists from the U.S. Department of Energy and other agencies would likely be on-site to assess risks and oversee the extraction of uranium.

Ultimately, the entire operation, according to sources, would resemble the establishment of a small military encampment within enemy territory, with all the accompanying risks and difficulties that could arise in an active conflict environment.