Securing Iranian Nuclear Stockpile: Options Explored by US and Israel

US and Israel Reportedly Discuss Special Forces Operation to Secure Iran’s Enriched Uranium​

Potential Ground Operation Considered as Conflict Escalates​

The United States and Israel are reportedly discussing the possibility of deploying special forces into Iran to secure the country’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium as the conflict in the region intensifies.

Reports indicate that the potential operation is being evaluated as part of the broader war that began on February 28. The United States has named its campaign Operation Epic Fury, while Israel has designated its operation as Operation Roaring Lion.

The discussions highlight the growing strategic focus on Iran’s nuclear assets as military hostilities continue to expand.

US Authorities Signal Strategic Focus on Nuclear Materials​

According to sources familiar with the discussions, the option of deploying special forces would likely be considered at a later stage of the conflict rather than as an immediate action.

In parallel with these reports, United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth issued a strong warning through a social media post shared by United States Central Command. The message warned of severe retaliation against any entity targeting American citizens.

“If you kill Americans, if you threaten Americans anywhere on earth, we will hunt you down without apology and without hesitation, and we will kill you,” Hegseth said.

The statement was accompanied by a short video showing unclassified footage of vehicles and structures being destroyed during recent US military operations.

US Leadership Expresses Confidence in Military Campaign​

United States President Donald Trump stated that the military campaign has significantly weakened Iranian leadership structures.

Speaking while travelling aboard Air Force One, the President said the United States had successfully neutralised Iran’s leadership and described the operations as the removal of a major threat.

“We’re winning the war by a lot. We’ve decimated their whole evil empire. It’ll continue, I’m sure, for a little while. The war itself is going unbelievably. It’s as good as it can be,” Trump said.

During the same interaction, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff noted that the possibility of diplomatic progress still exists, though any such decision would ultimately depend on the White House.

Two Possible Strategies for Securing Uranium Stockpile​

Reports indicate that planners are examining two primary options for securing Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, estimated at approximately 450 kg to 460 kg.

Extraction and Removal​

One option involves deploying specialised units to seize the nuclear material and transport it out of Iran. This approach would require direct ground operations and secure transportation of the material to a controlled location.

On-Site Dilution​

Another possibility involves inserting nuclear experts alongside special forces to chemically dilute the enriched uranium at the facility itself. This process would render the material unsuitable for weapons development.

Special Forces and Potential Target Sites​

Specialised military units are reportedly preparing for such scenarios. The US Army’s Delta Force is believed to have trained for operations involving the seizure of centrifuges and the handling of hazardous nuclear materials.

Ground missions would likely focus on key nuclear infrastructure sites, including Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.

Satellite imagery from early March 2026 has already shown damage to entrance structures at the Natanz nuclear facility following earlier air strikes.

Such operations would require extensive logistical and tactical support, including air cover and access to regional military assets. Aircraft carriers and regional bases could play a role in supporting any ground deployment.

Role of International Nuclear Oversight​

Global oversight of nuclear programs is typically conducted through international monitoring systems.

The International Atomic Energy Agency is responsible for inspecting nuclear facilities and verifying that nuclear materials are used for peaceful purposes.

Matters related to uranium enrichment and nuclear development are generally addressed through international agreements and diplomatic frameworks aimed at preventing nuclear proliferation and maintaining regional stability.

Military planners often assess contingency scenarios involving sensitive materials. However, such discussions are typically classified and primarily focus on safeguarding nuclear assets rather than actively seizing them.