Donald Trump is considering a potential ground operation in Iran to seize nearly 400 kg of enriched uranium, even as indirect diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions continue, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
The move is aimed at ensuring Tehran cannot retain nuclear material that could be used for weapons. Trump has conveyed to allies that handing over the uranium should be a key condition for ending the conflict, and has discussed the option of taking it by force if negotiations do not succeed.
Backchannel talks—reportedly facilitated by Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey—are said to be making progress, though Washington and Tehran have yet to engage in direct negotiations.
Troop Build-Up and Strategic Calculus
The US has stepped up its military presence in the region under US Central Command, with thousands of additional troops deployed. Trump has consistently maintained that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is a central objective, though the extent of military action he is willing to pursue remains unclear.
Before earlier strikes, Iran was believed to possess large quantities of enriched uranium, stored at facilities including Natanz and Isfahan. While some infrastructure has been damaged, international assessments suggest parts of the stockpile remain accessible.
High-Risk Operation
Experts caution that any attempt to seize the material would be complex and risky. It would likely involve US forces entering heavily fortified sites, securing perimeters under potential attack, and extracting uranium stored in specialised containers—an operation that could take days and require significant logistical support.
Such a move could provoke Iranian retaliation and extend the conflict beyond the limited timeframe publicly outlined by US officials.
Internal Differences
The plan has also highlighted differences within the US leadership. Intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard is seen as more cautious, while Vice President JD Vance and some Republicans have raised concerns about the risks and domestic political costs of escalation.
With diplomacy still in play, it remains uncertain whether the US will push for a negotiated settlement or move toward a more aggressive strategy to secure Iran’s nuclear material.
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