U.S. officials reveal President Trump is weighing a military operation to extract nearly 1,000 pounds of enriched uranium from Iran, a move that could escalate the conflict and put American forces in prolonged danger.
President Trump has not yet decided whether to order the operation, but sources say he remains open to the idea as a way to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. The plan would involve sending U.S. forces deep into Iranian territory for days or longer to secure and transport the uranium, which is stored in specialized cylinders at sites including Isfahan and Natanz. The potential mission is highly complex, requiring elite special operations troops to handle radioactive material under the threat of Iranian surface-to-air missiles, drones, and booby traps.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that Pentagon preparations are designed to give the commander-in-chief maximum options and do not indicate a final decision. U.S. officials note that Iran could still avoid a dangerous operation by agreeing to surrender the uranium as part of a negotiated settlement. Historical precedents exist for peaceful removals, such as Project Sapphire in Kazakhstan in 1994 and a joint U.S.-UK operation in Georgia in 1998.
Experts warn that a military seizure would likely extend the war beyond the 4–6 week timeframe previously outlined by Trump’s team, potentially triggering Iranian retaliation. The operation would involve securing sites, clearing hazards, and transporting the uranium in protective casks, possibly requiring temporary airfields for extraction. U.S. forces could include quick-response Marines and paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division, and additional troop deployments are under consideration to provide operational flexibility.
Trump has also encouraged diplomatic efforts, urging Iran to dismantle its nuclear program as part of a settlement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that major objectives could be achieved without deploying ground forces. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that the military has a range of options should Iran refuse to surrender the material, but declined to specify what those measures might entail.
As the U.S. continues targeting Iranian nuclear facilities through airstrikes, briefings on the uranium extraction operation are ongoing. Former military officials describe the plan as one of the most challenging operations Trump could order, blending high-stakes combat, nuclear safety, and logistical complexity in a region already marked by instability.
