US considering special military operation to seize Iran's nuclear material, report

A US report has claimed that if diplomatic efforts related to Iran's nuclear program fail, the US is considering a large-scale special military operation to seize Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles at its secure nuclear facilities. According to a report by the New York Post, US Special Operations Forces are planning a potential operation, which some experts have described as one of the most complex military missions in history. The report states that the operation would require extensive logistical arrangements and strong security cooperation within Iran.

Joseph Rogers, deputy director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that a military option could be the most effective way to take control of Iran's existing nuclear material, as significant progress is not being seen in diplomatic negotiations. The report cites a source familiar with military planning, stating that the plan could involve deploying thousands of troops to establish a security perimeter around nuclear facilities, remove obstacles and explosive materials, and create secure passageways.

After that, a limited number of special forces would take responsibility for accessing and removing the enriched uranium from Iran. The report suggests that the operation could involve the US Navy's SEAL Team 6, the 2nd Ranger Battalion, and the 21st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, which could be tasked with safely transporting the enriched uranium. The report states that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimated in 2025 that Iran had over 20,000 pounds of enriched uranium.

Experts say that the success of any such operation would depend on having a strong security perimeter around the nuclear facilities, secure ground and air evacuation routes, and an effective response to potential Iranian attacks. Richard Goldberg, former director of Iran affairs at the US National Security Council, said the biggest challenge would be for US forces to maintain their position until a secure withdrawal is completed. He cited intelligence information indicating that Iran has strengthened its defensive arrangements around the Isfahan nuclear facility, deployed additional forces, and installed explosive materials at some locations.

The report also claims that Iran has laid explosive traps in the tunnels of the Isfahan facility, while the Jabal Bakhtegan area near Natanz has been identified as a potential target, where hundreds of centrifuges have been recently moved. Richard Goldberg said that if it is not possible to destroy the facility through airstrikes, a special military operation could be considered to disable it. He stated that the success of any such operation would depend on accurate intelligence about the facility's design and vulnerabilities.

The US Department of Defense and the White House have not officially confirmed any such planning, while the information in the report is based on informed sources and expert opinions.