Battle In The Bunker: How The US Wants To Seize Iran's Uranium
- 10.03.2026, 14:38
There's going to be a ground operation?
The US may consider a ground operation to seize the stockpile of enriched uranium remaining in Iran. This is reported by CNN with reference to sources involved in the military planning of the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Sources say that despite large-scale airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, some radioactive materials remain hidden in underground storage facilities. At issue are hundreds of kilograms of enriched uranium housed in deep tunnels that are difficult to destroy from the air.
A large portion of this material is believed to be at the Isfahan nuclear facility and some at the Natanz site. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, about 200 kilograms of uranium remain in Isfahan. Its enrichment level is about 60%, and a further increase to 90% could theoretically allow the creation of nuclear weapons.
Sources note that airstrikes have not been able to completely neutralize these stocks due to the peculiarities of the underground infrastructure. The tunnels at the Isfahan facility have virtually no ventilation shafts, which are generally considered vulnerable points for air attacks.
The U.S. military is therefore considering the option of using elite special forces units to infiltrate the underground complexes and seize or destroy nuclear materials. According to sources, Delta Force and Navy SEALs units could be involved in such an operation, possibly in coordination with Israeli commandos.
Experts note that such a mission would require significantly more forces than standard Special Forces operations. In addition to the assault teams themselves, perimeter security units, explosive ordnance disposal specialists, and constant air support may be needed.
Recent U.S. equipment movements may also indicate possible preparations for such actions. According to satellite observations, several MC-130J aircraft designed for covert transfer and evacuation of special forces were recently deployed at the British airbase Mildenhall.
At the same time, experts note that even in the case of a successful military operation, the final resolution of the Iranian nuclear program issue may require not only forceful pressure, but also diplomatic steps. Against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict and the change of leadership in Iran, there are still no signs of Tehran's readiness to give up its nuclear capabilities.
Tomer Adoni, "Cursor"