If the Americans managed to export Iranian uranium, it could paralyze Tehran's nuclear program for many years. Trump could finally present the operation against Iran as a major victory. The Wall Street Journal reports that the US president is considering this option.
However, experts point to threats. The operation requires U.S. military forces to advance deep into Iran and remain there for days. The White House has already commented on the matter.
“It is the Pentagon's responsibility to make preparations to give the commander-in-chief maximum freedom of action,” White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said, following media reports. “This does not mean that the president has already made a decision,” she said, however, referring to the possibility of American soldiers seizing Iranian uranium.
The Pentagon has not commented on this matter yet. Meanwhile, according to the Wall Street Journal, Trump stated in private conversations that the idea was to secure material suitable for the production of nuclear weapons.
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A precisely carried out special operation would not have prolonged the war. As the Wall Street Journal points out, citing its sources in the presidential administration, the Americans estimate that the confrontation with Iran may last at least until mid-April.
Even before the US and Israeli airstrikes in June 2025, intelligence services reported that Tehran had approximately 450 kg of highly enriched uranium (60%) and approximately 200 kg of fissile material that could be easily converted into uranium suitable for weapons production.
The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, assumes that uranium is stored in two underground tunnels in Isfahan and Natanz, which the United States bombed about nine months ago.
Trump then declared that the facilities were completely destroyed. However, it is now known that the Iranians have other centrifuges and are able to launch new underground uranium enrichment installations.
Another indication that the US president wants to seize uranium comes from his speech in Miami on Friday. The US president then stated that the fact that Iran had Uranium was the main reason for starting the war.
Experts warn against Trump's plan
Any attempt to take uranium by force is dangerous and complicated. Elite troops would have to go directly to the uranium storage site. This way, they would come under fire from Iranian missiles and drones. Trump therefore risks the death of more American soldiers.
Donald Trump, Iran on the map in the backgroundRawpixel.com/Shutterstock, FoxPictures/Shutterstock / Shutterstock
If the Americans entered Iran directly, they would have to create security zones so that technicians could search the area with heavy equipment. The goal would be to find and recover 40-50 cylinders where uranium is stored. These containers look like diving tanks. Americans would have to avoid mines and other traps.
“You would have to bring in specialists to seize the radioactive material. They would have to pack the uranium into heavy shipping containers to protect it from damage during attacks,” said Richard Nephew, chief nuclear scientist at Columbia University. At least several special trucks would be needed for transport.
He expressed his concerns about the success of a possible operation of this type, among others: former commander of US Central Command, four-star Gen. Joseph Votel. “This is not a quick-in, quick-out operation,” he said.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
