Did Trump halt a mission to seize Iran’s uranium? Report reveals high-risk military plan

The United States military reportedly prepared a high-risk ground operation aimed at securing Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile before President Donald Trump decided to pause the proposed mission, according to a CNN report citing current and former officials familiar with the planning.

The report said the operation was developed as part of broader discussions within the Trump administration on how to eliminate Iran’s remaining highly enriched uranium, which US officials have viewed as a critical component of Tehran’s potential nuclear capabilities.

Ground operation reportedly under consideration

According to CNN, military planners examined scenarios involving the deployment of a significant US ground force to secure and remove highly enriched uranium believed to be stored deep underground at Iranian nuclear facilities. Officials cited in the report said the mission would have required far more personnel than a limited special operations raid.

The report noted that recovering or neutralising the material would likely have involved specialised military units, logistical support teams, security personnel and experts trained to handle radioactive material.

Risks of the proposed mission

Officials familiar with the planning reportedly described the operation as highly complex and potentially dangerous, with troops operating deep inside Iranian territory and facing possible resistance from Iranian forces. Previous reporting by US media outlets indicated that military planners had assessed various options for securing Iran’s uranium stockpile, including missions requiring extensive troop deployments and heavy logistical support.

The uranium is believed to be located at heavily protected facilities, making any attempt to recover it a significant military undertaking.

Trump reportedly paused the proposal

According to CNN, Trump ultimately chose not to proceed with the operation at this stage and paused the proposed mission as policymakers continued to weigh military and diplomatic options regarding Iran.

The report comes as discussions over a possible diplomatic framework between Washington and Tehran have intensified in recent days, with both sides exploring avenues to reduce tensions and address issues related to regional security and Iran’s nuclear programme.

What happens next?

Attention is now focused on ongoing diplomatic efforts and discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear activities. While CNN reported that military planners had prepared options involving the seizure of uranium stockpiles, no decision to launch such an operation has been announced.

Officials continue to monitor developments as negotiations and security discussions involving Iran remain ongoing.