Trump's Next Move Could Be Sending Military To Extract Uranium From Iran: Report

Last Updated:March 30, 2026, 09:31 IST

Donald Trump weighs risky US military mission to seize enriched uranium from Iran sites like Isfahan and Natanz as Pentagon readies options and allies mediate talks.

US President Donald Trump is considering a military operation to extract nearly 1,000 pounds of uranium from Iran, a move that could significantly escalate the ongoing conflict, according to media reports.

The plan under discussion involves sending American troops, including elite special forces, to secure and extract highly enriched uranium believed to be stored at key nuclear sites such as Isfahan. Officials said the material was not fully destroyed in earlier US-Israel strikes, a report by The Wall Street Journal said.

Mission To Prevent Iran From Developing Nuclear Weapons

The United States is considering a potential mission as part of efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, with Trump reportedly open to seizing the material by force if it is not surrendered through negotiations.

“It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the commander-in-chief maximum optionality," White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said, adding “It does not mean the president has made a decision."

According to officials, uranium is believed to be stored at key sites, including an underground tunnel at the Isfahan nuclear complex and a cache at Natanz. Any attempt to seize the material by force would be highly complex and dangerous, said experts who believe that it can easily trigger retaliation and extend the conflict.

If US President agrees to start the mission, it would require American forces to enter Iranian territory under the threat of drones, missiles and ground fire, secure the sites, and allow specialized teams to locate and extract the material. “This is not a quick in and out kind of deal," said Retired General Joseph Votel.

Meanwhile, Trump has also encouraged talks, with intermediaries including Pakistan, Türkiye and Egypt involved in indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran.

“We have a range of options," said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, adding the US would prefer Iran to relinquish the material voluntarily. I would not…tell the world what we’re willing to do… but we have options, for sure," he added.

Officials said Pentagon has positioned assets in the region and is considering deploying additional troops, including rapid-response Marine units and paratroopers.

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