Trump Eyes Military Operation to Seize Iran's Uranium Stockpile

President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing a bold military operation to physically extract nearly 1,000 pounds of uranium from Iran, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing senior U.S. officials. While no final decision has been made, Trump remains open to the idea despite serious concerns about the risks it poses to American troops.

Such a mission would be extraordinarily complex and dangerous, potentially triggering severe retaliation from Tehran. However, securing or eliminating Iran's nuclear material remains a cornerstone of both U.S. and Israeli strategy to prevent the Islamic Republic from developing a nuclear weapon. Trump has also pushed his advisers to explore whether Iran could be pressured into voluntarily surrendering the uranium as part of any deal to end the ongoing conflict.

The backdrop to these considerations is a military campaign already underway. The United States and Israel conducted coordinated airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, targeting sites believed to hold over 400 kilograms of 60% highly enriched uranium and nearly 200 kilograms of 20% fissile material — quantities that have raised serious alarms among nonproliferation experts.

Now entering its fifth consecutive week, the conflict shows little sign of de-escalation. Yemen's Houthi movement, backed by Tehran, has expanded the war's reach by launching attacks against Israel, further complicating regional stability. Iran, meanwhile, has issued stark warnings against any U.S. ground invasion on its soil.

Adding to the military buildup, approximately 3,500 American troops were mobilized over the weekend aboard the USS Tripoli, signaling a significant escalation in U.S. readiness in the region.

With diplomatic channels strained and military pressure intensifying, the situation in the Middle East remains deeply volatile. The outcome of Trump's deliberations could have far-reaching consequences for global nuclear security and regional geopolitics.