Exclusive: US Delta Force Plan to Seize Iran's Nuclear Material Revealed
American military chiefs are weighing one of the largest special forces raids ever conceived, aimed at crippling Iran's nuclear ambitions. The operation, which could involve thousands of assault troops supporting elite Delta Force specialists, is described as immensely high-risk with a low probability of absolute success.
High-Stakes Mission Details
The plan calls for a massive helicopter-borne insertion lasting at least 24 hours to seize approximately 450kg of 60% enriched uranium believed hidden deep beneath a nuclear facility in Tehran. Although this material is below the 90% weapons-grade threshold, US intelligence experts fear Iran could use it in future nuclear weapon development.
Two British military sources confirmed the operation plan has been drawn up, with both assessing it as "very high-risk, with high probability of casualties and low probability of absolute mission success since the exact location of the uranium is uncertain."
Operation Complexity and Historical Parallels
The complex operation would involve scores of spy planes and fighter jets securing approach routes, while ground troops form a vast perimeter to fend off attacks from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. After fighting their way into the complex, Delta Force soldiers would secure the site for specialist engineers to drill and blast into underground chambers.
Plans were drawn up by Joint Special Operations Command, which has a poignant link to Iran as it was established in 1980 following the disastrous Operation Eagle Claw. That mission aimed to rescue US hostages from Tehran but ended in tragedy when a helicopter crashed into a C-130 plane during a sandstorm, killing eight service members.
Political Considerations and Military Movements
One intelligence source noted: "The plan does exist but the risks of failure are very high and it may have been discounted as too difficult. However, President Trump is extremely belligerent and not exactly risk-cognisant so there is always the possibility he could still give the go-ahead."
The source added that uranium seizure is "top of his list" among military options presented to the President, with troop movements toward the Gulf indicating preparations for something larger than a Strait of Hormuz-specific operation.
Unprecedented Scale and Coordination
A second military source described the potential operation as "the biggest Special Forces operations ever launched," involving diversions elsewhere in Iran and major air raids to confuse Iranian forces. The planning includes crack paratroopers entering Iranian airspace in fast-moving Chinook helicopters and specially adapted aircraft for an unusually large contingent of Delta Force soldiers.
The final decision rests with Commander-in-Chief Donald Trump, with input from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who has reportedly been enthusiastic about military action against Iran.
Recent Military Deployments
Earlier this month, US forces sent uniquely adapted MC-130J Commando II special forces planes from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk to the Middle East, indicating major covert planning. These Lockheed Martin aircraft perform clandestine infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply missions in hostile areas.
Simultaneously, President Trump has ordered thousands of elite US paratroopers to the Middle East, potentially for an invasion of Kharg Island, Iran's crucial oil-exporting hub. The Immediate Response Force from the 82nd Airborne Division—about 3,000 troops based at Fort Bragg—can deploy anywhere within 18 hours.
Marine Reinforcements and Dual Operations
At least 5,000 marines are also en route to the Gulf, with the first expeditionary unit arriving Friday aboard the USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship carrying 2,200 troops, supported by F-35B stealth fighters and MV-22B Osprey aircraft.
Sources suggest operations against Kharg Island and the hidden nuclear facility may occur simultaneously, despite Trump's claims of ongoing peace negotiations—statements vehemently denied by Iran's foreign ministry.
