The administration of Donald Trump is reportedly evaluating the possibility of deploying special forces into Iran to take control of the country’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium (HEU), according to multiple reports.
Experts estimate that Iran possesses about 440 kilograms of HEU, a quantity that could potentially be processed into material for at least ten nuclear weapons. Preventing Tehran from developing a nuclear bomb has been identified as one of the central objectives of the Trump administration’s strategy.
Concerns Over Highly Enriched Uranium
Officials believe the uranium stockpile represents one of the most significant nuclear risks, as it could be further enriched into weapons-grade material within a relatively short time frame.
Speaking before Congress, Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, indicated that securing the material may ultimately require a physical operation.
He told lawmakers that “someone will eventually need to retrieve it,” suggesting that direct action could be necessary to ensure the uranium does not fall into the wrong hands.
Possible US–Israel Coordination
Although Rubio did not elaborate on operational details, reports in both the United States and Israel suggest discussions have taken place between the two allies about how such a mission could be carried out.
The operation could potentially involve special forces units from one or both countries tasked with locating and securing the uranium stockpile.
However, nuclear experts warn that such a mission would be extremely complex and fraught with significant logistical and security risks.
Uranium Stored at Multiple Iranian Sites
According to Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, a substantial portion of Iran’s enriched uranium remains stored in underground facilities.
Grossi said around 200 kilograms of the material that survived earlier airstrikes is believed to be kept in deep tunnels at a nuclear complex near the city of Isfahan.
Additional quantities are thought to be stored at Iran’s nuclear facility in Natanz nuclear facility, where Tehran has built a heavily fortified underground site known as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, referred to by Western analysts as “Pickaxe Mountain.”
Experts say the depth and fortification of these facilities could make any attempt to secure the uranium stockpile extremely challenging.
