The U.S. Is Preparing A Large-scale Operation To Remove Nuclear Uranium From Iran
- 26.07.2026, 8:12
Thousands of military personnel may be needed to carry it out.
The Pentagon is developing a plan for an extremely complex special operation to seize or destroy Iran’s stockpiles of enriched uranium at fortified nuclear facilities. Previously, the focus was primarily on airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
This was reported by New York Post and CNN.
The U.S. is now considering a ground operation as an alternative to airstrikes. According to the publication, thousands of military personnel may be needed to carry it out.
Their mission will consist of several stages:
securing the area around the facilities;
disarm any potential booby traps and explosive devices;
clear entrances damaged by preliminary strikes;
establish a defensive perimeter and evacuation routes.
Only then will a smaller group—special operations forces—come into action to directly retrieve the nuclear material.
The operation may involve members of the Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and specialists from the U.S. Army’s 21st Artillery Company.
According to the source, this company will be responsible for handling enriched uranium and transporting it from the facilities in Fordo and Isfahan.
“I don’t want to say this, but I believe the most likely way to get rid of Iran’s existing nuclear material is through a military operation, because negotiations aren’t moving anywhere quickly,” said Joseph Rogers, deputy director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies .
Why Isfahan Is Considered the Most Challenging Target
Experts are drawing particular attention to the facility in Isfahan. According to available information, Iran has fortified this facility in advance and planted mines and explosives in the tunnels specifically in anticipation of a possible raid by American or Israeli forces.
This significantly complicates the operation: engineering teams will have to not only clear debris but also clear the area of mines while under fire.
Another possible target is Mount Pikax
In addition to Fordo and Isfahan, the list of possible targets includes an underground complex beneath a mountain near Natanz, known as Pikax Mountain. According to available data, this is precisely where Iran could have moved hundreds of centrifuges following preliminary strikes.
How much uranium has Iran stockpiled?
The scale of the problem explains why the issue is so pressing. According to 2025 data from the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran possessed more than 9 metric tons of enriched uranium.
Part of this stockpile is stored at a facility near Isfahan in tunnels located deep underground.
How realistic is such a scenario
Not all experts are convinced that a deal can even be reached without massive losses. Richard Goldberg, who during Donald Trump’s first term headed the U.S. National Security Council’s division on countering Iranian nuclear weapons, has cast doubt on the very possibility of safely completing the mission.
“How long can this be sustained while still being able to withdraw all our forces?” Goldberg asked.
Washington has not yet officially confirmed that a deal has already been agreed upon or scheduled for a specific date. However, the scale of the preparations—ranging from the deployment of special forces to engineering calculations and the identification of new potential targets—indicates that Washington is taking this scenario seriously.