politics
Capturing Iran’s highly enriched uranium would require a large US ground force, sources say
Recovering Iran’s remaining highly enriched uranium stockpile believed to be sitting in a storage facility deep underground, an objective the Trump administration has been discussing, would require a significant number of US ground troops beyond a small special operations footprint, seven current and former officials familiar with the military planning told CNN.
TL;DR
- Retrieving Iran's highly enriched uranium from underground facilities would require a significant number of US ground troops, not just a small special operations force.
- Much of the uranium is believed to be at Iran's Isfahan nuclear site, accessible to Iranians who have been working to clear rubble and access hidden tunnels.
- US airstrikes alone cannot penetrate the Isfahan tunnels, leading to discussions about deploying special operations units to infiltrate and secure or destroy the uranium.
- The mission could necessitate dozens to hundreds of additional troops for logistical support and area security.
- US military assets, including MC-130Js, are being positioned closer to Iran, potentially for covert infiltration and exfiltration missions.
- Eliminating Iran's enriched uranium stockpile may require diplomatic engagement alongside military power, especially without regime collapse.