US may deploy elite forces to seize Iran’s nuclear stockpiles: Report

Washington DC: The administration of Donald Trump is exploring options to seize Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles as tensions escalate in West Asia, according to a report by CBS News citing sources familiar with the discussions.

While no final decision has been taken, sources said planning has focused on the possible deployment of the US military’s elite Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), often tasked with highly sensitive missions. The timing of any such operation remains uncertain.

According to the report, Iran had accumulated around 972 pounds of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity as of last summer, based on estimates by the International Atomic Energy Agency. This level is considered close to weapons-grade material. Much of the stockpile is believed to be stored deep within nuclear facilities previously targeted during US strikes under Operation Midnight Hammer.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated earlier this week that seizing Iranian nuclear material remains under consideration, saying, “it's an option on the table for him.”

Experts, however, have cautioned that such a mission would be highly complex and risky. IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi told CBS News that while feasible, it would demand “incredible military capabilities”.

“We're talking about cylinders containing gas of highly contaminated uranium hexafluoride at 60%, so it's very difficult to handle”, he added.

Despite the buildup, US intelligence assessments have previously suggested that Tehran is not actively pursuing nuclear weapons, maintaining that its programme is for peaceful purposes. Still, Iran remains the only non-nuclear-weapon state enriching uranium to such high levels.

Prior to the latest escalation, Washington and Tehran had engaged in negotiations mediated by Oman, including proposals to dilute enriched uranium for civilian use.

The developments come amid ongoing US military operations against Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States is close to achieving its objectives.

Meanwhile, the US military reported extensive damage inflicted during Operation Epic Fury, claiming thousands of Iranian targets have been struck. The statement said over 120 naval vessels, including submarines, were damaged or destroyed.

Detailing the scope of the operation, officials said: “The targets pursued under Operation Epic Fury include command and control centres; Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters and intelligence sites; air defence systems; ballistic missile, anti-ship missile and surface-to-air missile sites; weapon production and storage bunkers; military infrastructure and communications capabilities; and naval ships and submarines.”

Amid the conflict, Trump ruled out a ceasefire, stating, “We can have dialogue, but I don't want to do a ceasefire. You don't do a ceasefire when you're literally obliterating the other side. We're not looking to do that.”