US reportedly weighs major special operation to seize Iranian enriched uranium

The New York Post has reported, citing sources and experts, that the United States is considering the option of launching a large-scale special military operation to seize Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium from its fortified nuclear facilities, should diplomatic efforts over Tehran’s nuclear program stall.

According to the report, US special operations forces are on standby for what some experts have described as potentially “the most complex military operation in history,” given the extensive logistical and security coordination required inside Iranian territory.

Joseph Rodgers, deputy director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said the military option could be “the most likely way to eliminate Iran’s current nuclear material,” arguing that negotiations are not making rapid progress.

The report, citing a source familiar with the military planning, explained that the mission could require deploying thousands of troops to secure the perimeter of nuclear sites, clear obstacles and explosive devices, and open safe corridors before small special forces teams move in to access and extract the enriched uranium from Iran.

The source added that the operation would be “extremely dangerous,” while Rodgers described it as one of the most logistically complex missions due to the combat environment and fortified facilities, despite what he sees as a decline in Iran’s military capabilities.

The report noted that units potentially involved in the operation include members of SEAL Team 6, the 2nd Battalion of Army Rangers, and the 21st Company specializing in ordnance and hazardous materials, which would handle and transport the enriched uranium.

According to the report, the International Atomic Energy Agency estimated that by 2025, Iran could possess more than 20,000 pounds of enriched uranium.

Richard Goldberg, who previously served as director for countering Iranian weapons of mass destruction at the US National Security Council during the Trump administration, said one of the biggest challenges would be the ability of forces to hold their positions until a safe withdrawal is completed.

Goldberg added that intelligence reports indicate Iran has reinforced defenses at the Isfahan facility, including planting explosive devices and deploying additional troops around the site, noting that the element of surprise has been lost as both sides are aware of the facility locations.

It is worth noting that, so far, there have been no official statements from the White House or the US Department of Defense confirming the existence of such an operational plan.