Trump Dismisses Idea of Sending US Troops to Iran to Secure Uranium

President says 'we haven't made any decision' on potential military action in Iran

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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US President Donald Trump told the New York Post in a telephone interview that the United States is not planning to send troops into Iran to secure enriched uranium from the country's nuclear sites. Trump's remarks come after he had earlier suggested he was considering the idea of sending troops to Iran.

Why it matters

The potential deployment of US troops to Iran would mark a significant escalation of tensions between the two countries, which have been heightened following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes in late February. Trump's comments aim to walk back his previous statements and suggest the US is not actively planning such an operation.

The details

In the interview, Trump played down the idea of having boots on the ground in Iran, saying 'We haven't made any decision on that. We're nowhere near it.' When asked about the potential replacement of Khamenei by his son Mojtaba as the new supreme leader, Trump expressed displeasure but declined to provide further details, saying 'Not going to tell you. I'm not happy with him.'

  • On Saturday, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he was considering sending troops to secure enriched uranium in Iran.
  • On Monday, Trump spoke with the New York Post and dismissed the idea of sending US troops into Iran.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States.

Mojtaba Khamenei

The son of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who may be appointed as the new supreme leader.

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What they’re saying

“We haven't made any decision on that. We're nowhere near it.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (New York Post)

“Not going to tell you. I'm not happy with him.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (New York Post)

The takeaway

Trump's comments walk back his previous suggestion of potentially sending US troops into Iran, indicating the administration is not actively planning such an operation at this time. However, the tensions between the US and Iran remain high following the killing of Iran's top leader, and the potential for further escalation continues to loom.