Are U.S. and Israel planning to send special forces into Iran to secure enriched uranium stockpile?

The U.S. and Israel are reportedly discussing a high-risk plan to send special forces into Iran. The goal? To secure — or possibly remove — Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. This comes amid the ongoing conflict, according to a recent report from Axios.

Preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon is a major stated objective of the current U.S. administration. Iran’s stockpile includes about 450 kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity. Experts note this level is close to weapons-grade (typically 90%+), and it could theoretically be further enriched to produce material for multiple nuclear bombs in a matter of weeks.

The material is seen as a key proliferation risk, especially if the current war leads to instability, regime change, or loss of control over nuclear sites.

What the Discussions Involve

• Options on the table: U.S., Israeli, or joint special operations forces could carry out the mission. Nuclear experts might join to help handle the material safely.
• Two main approaches:
  • Physically remove the uranium from Iran.
  • Dilute (or “down-blend”) it on-site to make it unusable for weapons.

For now, no operation has been confirmed or launched yet. The situation is part of broader efforts to degrade Iran’s nuclear program through airstrikes and other means, but ground action would mark a major escalation.