U.S. and Israel weigh special‑ops raid on Iran's uranium
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- U.S. and Israel have discussed sending special forces into Iran to secure its stockpile of 450 kg of 60%‑enriched uranium, convertible to weapons grade within weeks.
- Trump told reporters that ground troops are possible “for a very good reason” and did not rule out a future operation to seize the material.
- Marco Rubio was asked at a congressional briefing whether the uranium would be secured and responded that “people are going to have to go and get it,” without specifying who.
- U.S. officials outlined two operational options: removing the uranium from Iran entirely or bringing in nuclear experts to dilute it on‑site, possibly with IAEA scientists.
- Israeli defense officials said the idea of deploying special operations units is being seriously considered, and the operation would likely involve a small team rather than a large invasion.
- U.S. and Israeli strikes in June buried Iran’s uranium stockpile under rubble at Natanz, Isfahan, Fordow, and the underground tunnels, making the material inaccessible since then.
- U.S. officials also discussed seizing Kharg Island, a strategic oil terminal that handles roughly 90% of Iran’s crude exports, as part of broader options.
Why it matters: If the United States proceeds, it would deny Iran the material needed to quickly produce a nuclear bomb, strengthening U.S. and Israeli security while depriving Tehran of a key strategic asset. The operation would also signal a willingness to use force beyond diplomatic pressure.
