Trump Weighs Risky Mission to Seize Iran's Uranium Stockpile

Experts warn operation to extract enriched uranium from Iran would be extremely complex and dangerous.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:34am

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United States President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a plan to dispatch U.S. special forces to Iran to seize the country's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, a move experts say would be complex, dangerous, and potentially destabilizing. The operation would aim to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons or retaining the capacity to do so, but accessing the uranium stored in underground facilities would be extraordinarily difficult and pose significant risks.

Why it matters

The potential mission highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran over the country's nuclear program. While the U.S. has demanded Iran dismantle its nuclear capabilities, Iran maintains its program is for civilian energy purposes. Previous U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites have further escalated the conflict, and a risky special forces operation could lead to further destabilization in the region.

The details

Iran is believed to possess roughly 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, which could theoretically produce more than ten nuclear warheads. Much of this stockpile is stored in tunnels at the Isfahan nuclear facility, with additional quantities at Natanz and Fordow. Experts say accessing and extracting this uranium would be extremely challenging, as the sites are located deep underground and would require traversing an active war zone while transporting heavy equipment. Even if the uranium could be secured, its hazardous nature as a gas poses significant risks of contamination during transport or handling.

  • The potential mission is being considered by President Trump amid ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran over the country's nuclear program.
  • The U.S. has cited Iran's uranium stockpile as justification for air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during the 12-day war with Israel last year.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who is reportedly weighing a plan to dispatch U.S. special forces to Iran to seize the country's stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Rafael Grossi

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) who has stated that Iran's current enriched uranium stockpile could theoretically produce more than ten nuclear warheads.

Jason Campbell

A senior fellow at the Middle East Institute and former senior U.S. defense official who has stated that accessing the uranium in Iran would be "risky and not feasible."

Ian Lesser

An analyst at the German Marshall Fund who has argued that diplomatic solutions, such as placing the uranium under international supervision or transporting it out of the country, would be safer alternatives to a military operation.

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What they’re saying

“To cordon the area, excavate uranium, and remain safe under near-constant fire from Iran — it is risky and not feasible.”

— Jason Campbell, Senior fellow, Middle East Institute

“You'd need absolute confidence that all material was secured. Otherwise, Iran could still use remaining stockpiles to advance its nuclear programme.”

— Ian Lesser, Analyst, German Marshall Fund

What’s next

Diplomatic solutions, such as placing the uranium under international supervision or transporting it out of the country, are being discussed as safer alternatives to a military operation.

The takeaway

The potential mission to seize Iran's enriched uranium stockpile highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran over the country's nuclear program. While the U.S. seeks to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, experts warn that a risky special forces operation could lead to further destabilization in the region.