The United States is reportedly contemplating a complex and potentially historic military operation to seize enriched uranium from Iran's nuclear facilities. Sources familiar with military planning describe the potential mission as the "most sophisticated operation in military history," involving thousands of ground troops and specialized Special Operations forces.
The operation would aim to recover Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium, which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported in 2025 to be upwards of 20,000 pounds. The plan involves a multi-faceted approach, including ground forces establishing secure perimeters around the targeted sites and creating protected convoy routes for extraction.
"I hate to say it, but I think the most likely way to get rid of Iran’s nuclear material, at least what they currently have, is a military operation because the negotiations aren’t going anywhere fast," said Joseph Rodgers, deputy director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, who commented on the potential mission's scope.
Potential Targets and Defenses
Intelligence indicates that Iran is actively preparing for a potential raid, particularly at the Isfahan facility. Reports suggest the site has been outfitted with booby traps and reinforced defenses in recent weeks. "We have seen reports of Iran hardening the facility at Isfahan, booby traps being laid, and potentially perimeter forces being stationed," said Richard Goldberg, who previously served as director for countering Iranian weapons of mass destruction for the White House National Security Council. "There is no element of surprise at the moment. The targets are fixed. We know where they are. The Iranians know where they are."
Other key sites under consideration include the Fordo facility and the recently identified "Pickaxe Mountain" location at the Natanz nuclear enrichment complex. Pickaxe Mountain has reportedly become a new target after Iran transported hundreds of nuclear centrifuges there last month. Goldberg noted that if the U.S. were to conduct a special operations mission at Pickaxe Mountain, it would likely be because a facility collapse via airstrike is not deemed feasible.
Specialized Forces and Logistical Challenges
The operation would demand specialized units, potentially including SEAL Team 6’s Silver Squadron, the 2nd Ranger Battalion, and the Army’s 21st Ordnance Company. The 21st Ordnance Company would be tasked with handling and transporting the enriched uranium. The logistical challenges are immense, requiring sustained operations in a contested environment, secure airspace control for extraction, and the ability to navigate potential Iranian military resistance, despite assessments that Iran's military is significantly degraded.
"This would be a logistically heavy and difficult operation in a contested environment," Rodgers stated. "So how long can you sustain that and still be able to exfiltrate all of your forces?"
Experts note that the success of such a mission would depend heavily on U.S. intelligence regarding the schematics and vulnerabilities of the facilities, drawing parallels to previous targeted operations. Unlike the heavily fortified Isfahan and Fordo sites, a raid on Pickaxe Mountain might offer a quicker resolution, potentially resembling the operation to arrest Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, where infiltration, explosives deployment, and extraction were key components.
The contemplated operation underscores the escalating concerns over Iran's nuclear program and the diminishing options for diplomatic resolution. The planning suggests a significant shift towards direct action if diplomatic avenues continue to prove unproductive.