Donald Trump's administration is considering an operation to recover Iran's remaining stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, which, according to CNN, are located deep underground. The American airstrikes of June the previous year did not destroy all the material. Most uranium is to be stored at the nuclear center in Isfahan, where there is an extensive system of underground tunnels.
What are Donald Trump's goals in Iran?
What could be an obstacle to recovering uranium?
How much Iranian enriched uranium remains in Iran?
What are the risks of surgery in Iran?
Trump considers the complete elimination of Iran's nuclear potential as one of the main goals of the war. Experts cited by CNN say recovering the material would require large U.S. ground forces, much larger than small special operations teams.
Infiltrating the tunnels itself would be complicated because the facility does not have structural weaknesses such as ventilation holes. The administration considered using elite units, perhaps in cooperation with Israeli commandos.
War in the Middle East. “The logistics and risks of the operation are prohibitive.”
However, CNN emphasizes that such a mission would require dozens or hundreds of additional troops to secure the area. The surgery would involve enormous risks because it involves working with radioactive material deep underground. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, estimated that about 200 kg of highly enriched uranium remains in Iran. Iran claims that it is enriching uranium only for peaceful purposes, although the level of 60 percent brings it closer to the military threshold. President Trump repeats that he will not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons.
Military experts indicate that the mission would require the involvement of sappers, external protection and extensive air support. Sources say the logistics and risks of the operation are “prohibitive.” However, CNN notes that at least six MC-130J aircraft are currently stationed at RAF Mildenhall in England, which may suggest US readiness for action. These aircraft regularly fly training missions over the UK and the North Sea. Experts say that without the collapse of the Iranian regime, the use of force alone will not be enough to eliminate Iran's nuclear program. They indicate that diplomatic involvement may be necessary, as a possible US land operation would mean a significant escalation of the conflict.
