Trump Weighs Risky Military Operation to Seize Uranium from Iran

White House considers sending additional 10,000 troops to Middle East as tensions escalate.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:38am

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A fractured, abstract painting of a military transport plane in flight, with overlapping geometric shapes and waves of dark grey, olive drab, and steel blue colors, conveying a sense of motion and tension.A risky military operation to seize Iranian uranium could further escalate tensions in the Middle East.Washington Today

President Trump is weighing a complex and dangerous military operation to extract nearly 1,000 pounds of uranium from Iran, according to U.S. officials. The president remains open to the idea, as it could help prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, but is considering the risks to U.S. troops. The White House and Pentagon are also considering sending an additional 10,000 combat troops to the Middle East in the coming days.

Why it matters

This potential military action represents a significant escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with the White House determined to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities. However, the operation would involve putting American forces on the ground in Iran, raising concerns about the safety of U.S. troops and the broader implications for regional stability.

The details

According to the Wall Street Journal, the proposed military operation would involve U.S. troops extracting nearly 1,000 pounds of uranium from Iran. President Trump has not yet made a final decision, but is weighing the risks to American forces. The White House is also considering sending an additional 10,000 combat troops to the Middle East in the coming days, further increasing the U.S. military presence in the region.

  • President Trump has been weighing this military operation for several weeks.
  • U.S. CENTCOM confirmed that 3,500 Marines and sailors have been deployed to the Middle East, where they stand ready for the Commander-in-Chief.
  • The White House expects to make a decision on the additional 10,000 troops next week.

The players

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who is considering a risky military operation to seize uranium from Iran.

U.S. CENTCOM

The United States Central Command, which has confirmed the deployment of 3,500 Marines and sailors to the Middle East.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary, who stated that the Pentagon is making preparations to give the President maximum optionality, but that no final decision has been made.

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What they’re saying

“It's the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the commander-in-chief maximum optionality. It does not mean the president has made a decision.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

What’s next

The White House expects to make a decision on the additional 10,000 troops to the Middle East next week. The President is also continuing to weigh the risks and potential benefits of the military operation to seize uranium from Iran.

The takeaway

This potential military action represents a high-stakes gamble by the Trump administration to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities, but it also carries significant risks for U.S. troops and the broader stability of the region. The decision will be closely watched by allies and adversaries alike as it could have far-reaching consequences.