Trump Weighs High-Risk Military Operation to Seize Iran's Uranium Stockpile
President Donald Trump is reportedly considering whether to launch an extremely risky military operation to seize uranium from deep inside Iran, according to US officials. This potential move would represent a major escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has now entered its fifth week of intense fighting.
Trump's Demands for 'Nuclear Dust'
On Sunday, Trump told reporters that Iran must surrender its highly enriched uranium for the war to conclude. "They are decimated right now. They're going to give up nuclear weapons. They're going to give us the nuclear dust," he declared, referring specifically to the uranium stockpile. The American president added a stark warning: "They're going to do everything that we want to do. If they don't do that, they're not going to have a country."
While Trump has not made a final decision on the proposed operation, he is said to be open to the idea and carefully weighing the considerable danger to US troops. This information comes from detailed reporting by the Wall Street Journal, which has been closely monitoring developments in the volatile region.
Complex Military Operation Required
Seizing Iran's uranium would entail an extraordinarily complex military operation involving American troops flying directly to nuclear sites while under sustained fire from Iranian forces. Combat troops would need to secure the perimeters of these sensitive facilities, supported by highly-skilled technical staff and engineers who would be responsible for extracting the radioactive material.
The operation would require transporting the uranium in approximately 40 to 50 special cylinders to ensure safe removal from the country without incident. Military personnel would also need to carefully assess the territory for mines and other explosive devices specifically designed to prevent security breaches at these critical nuclear installations.
Official Statements and Expert Analysis
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the reports in a statement, 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." The Pentagon has not commented on these specific reports, and a spokesman for US Central Command declined to comment when approached by the Wall Street Journal.
According to expert assessments, Iran currently possesses approximately 1,000 pounds (400 kilograms) of uranium enriched at 60 percent purity, as concluded by the International Atomic Energy Agency last year. Additionally, Iran is reported to have nearly 200 kilograms of 20 percent fissile material, which can be relatively easily converted to 90 percent weapons-grade uranium.
Nuclear weapons typically require 90 percent enrichment, though the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945 contained material that was 80 percent enriched. While a nuclear weapon could theoretically be developed at 60 percent enrichment, it would not be deliverable by missiles. Experts emphasize that enrichment levels this high are not required for nuclear reactors or medical applications and could likely indicate weapons development intentions.
Background and Regional Tensions
In June 2025, both Israel and the United States claimed they had "obliterated" Iran's nuclear facilities. However, it remains unclear whether the Iranian establishment transferred the uranium material prior to the bombing or if it remains hidden underground. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi previously stated he believes the uranium is located at two of the three sites that were attacked last year, including an underground tunnel at a nuclear complex in Isfahan and a cache at Natanz.
According to expert assessments, Iran is not currently enriching uranium. The country had previously agreed to give up stockpiling enriched uranium as part of nuclear talks in February, according to Oman's foreign minister. Tehran has issued stern warnings against any potential ground invasion, stating that Trump is leading US troops into what they describe as "the swamp of death."
