The notion of U.S. troops seizing Iran's enriched uranium may sound implausible, but it's reportedly on President Trump's radar as a potential route to thwart Iran's advancement towards nuclear armament. Military analysts caution, however, that executing such a mission would be exceedingly perilous, necessitating ground troops and a timeline of several days to weeks.
Mick Mulroy, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, characterizes the operation as one of the most intricate special operations ever conceived. Beyond simply securing the uranium, myriad challenges await.
Alternatives Trump might consider include sweeping control over strategic locations like Kharg Island to enhance leverage over Iran. Yet, the specter of military operations could also serve as a tactic to coax Iran back to negotiation tables.
Despite the risks, Trump has shown ambivalence regarding the significance of Iran's uranium stockpile, referencing damage from previous strikes and suggesting any deep underground material may be difficult to retrieve. Reports suggest that approximately 440kg of uranium enriched to 60% sits within Iranian borders but the exact quantities across various sites remain uncertain.
The logistical demands of a retrieval operation could be daunting without precise knowledge of uranium's location. Experts warn that the complexity could multiply if the material is dispersed across multiple sites.
Plans could involve deploying the 82nd Airborne Division alongside specialized forces to secure locations like Isfahan and Natanz, where the uranium is believed to be stored in large containers. However, any operation requires adaptability to contingencies, including possible counterattacks and the stabilization of retrieved materials.
Numerous risks loom over this endeavor. Such a military operation could escalate conflicts with Iran, challenged yet again by heavy restrictions on U.S. forces and potential retaliations. Analysts agree: while military strategy is prepared theoretically, real-life execution could see myriad complications unravel.
