Trump is considering a special operation to seize Iranian uranium – WSJ
This is reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials.
According to the publication, the US may attempt to seize around 1,000 pounds (approximately 450 kg) of uranium stored at key Iranian nuclear sites, including the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Centre and the Natanz facility.
Some of the material is stored in underground tunnels.
According to officials, the operation could involve US troops entering Iranian territory, seizing nuclear facilities, searching for containers of uranium, transporting them by lorry and subsequently airlifting them out.
According to the publication’s sources, the operation could last from a few days to a week.
Military experts warn that the mission is extremely dangerous, as there is a likelihood of ground combat, which would lead to a sharp escalation of the war.
“This isn’t a ‘in and out’ kind of operation. It’s a complex and dangerous mission,” one of the generals told the publication.
Washington is also attempting to resolve the issue diplomatically. The US wants Iran to hand over the uranium itself as part of the agreement.
Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt are participating in the negotiations as mediators.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hagset stated that other options are being developed: “We have a whole range of options. We would like Iran to hand over this material voluntarily.”
According to the WSJ, the US has already deployed military forces to the region and is preparing rapid reaction units, marines and paratroopers. This is being done in case a decision is made to launch an operation.
