Trump is considering a military operation to seize uranium from Iran
US President Donald Trump is considering the possibility of a military operation to remove uranium from deep within Iranian territory. This was reported by US officials, according to the WSJ.
According to them, no final decision has been made, but the president is examining options and assessing the risks to US troops. The discussions are taking place against the backdrop of the fifth week of the war in the Middle East.
On Sunday, Donald Trump told journalists that Iran must give up highly enriched uranium to end the conflict.
“They are now destroyed. They will give up nuclear weapons. They will hand over nuclear dust to us,” he said, referring to uranium.
“They will do whatever we want. If not, they will have no country.”
The proposed operation involves complex manoeuvres by US military personnel, who would have to reach the nuclear sites under fire from Iranian forces. Combat units would need to secure the perimeter, after which specialists and engineers would remove the radioactive material.
Approximately 40–50 special containers will be required to transport the uranium. The military must also clear the area of mines and other explosive devices.
White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt stated that the preparation of such plans is the responsibility of the Pentagon and does not mean that the president has already made a decision.
The Pentagon has not commented on the information, and a representative of US Central Command declined to comment.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran has around 400 kg of uranium enriched to 60 per cent, as well as nearly 200 kg of material enriched to 20 per cent, which can be further enriched to 90 per cent.
A 90 per cent enrichment level is required to produce nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, 60 per cent is not sufficient for civilian reactors or medical purposes.
In June 2025, Israel and the US announced the destruction of Iranian nuclear facilities, though it is unknown whether the material had been moved prior to this or remained underground.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi previously stated that uranium may be stored at two of the three facilities that were struck, specifically in an underground tunnel at the Isfahan complex and at the Natanz facility.
According to experts, Iran is not currently enriching uranium. The country had previously agreed to stop building up its stockpiles as part of negotiations, as reported by the Omani foreign minister.
Tehran has warned of the consequences of a possible ground invasion and stated that the US could drag its troops into a ‘quagmire’.
