The United States is reportedly weighing a high-stakes ground operation to secure Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. This potential mission, first detailed by Bloomberg News on Sunday, marks a huge escalation in the ongoing conflict, as President Donald Trump considers putting "boots on the ground" for strategic surgical strikes.
 

What is the goal of the operation?

The primary objective is to fulfill one of President Trump's stated war goals: ensuring Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. The focus is on roughly 450 kilograms of 60%-enriched uranium.

The threat: While not yet weapons-grade, this material is "near-bomb-grade”. Experts believe it could be converted to 90% purity—enough for approximately 11 nuclear bombs—within a matter of weeks.

Current status: Reports from Axios indicate that previous US and Israeli air strikes have buried much of this stockpile under rubble, particularly at the Isfahan facility. However, the material remains a "breakout" risk as long as it exists in its current form.

How would the mission be carried out?

According to sources cited by Axios, the administration is not looking at a large-scale invasion but rather "small special ops raids”.

Neutralisation options: A US official noted two main paths: physically removing the uranium canisters from Iran or bringing in scientists (possibly from the IAEA) to dilute the material on-site, rendering it useless for weapons.

Operational hurdles: The mission would require elite units to navigate heavily fortified underground tunnels at sites like Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan.

Timing: Officials suggest such a raid would likely only occur once Iran’s military is "decimated" to the point where they cannot mount a serious threat to the specialized teams on the ground.

Who would lead the mission?

While Bloomberg and Axios both report that the US and Israel have discussed these plans, the command structure remains undecided.

The operation could be a solely American mission, an Israeli one or a joint task force.

President Trump told reporters on Air Force One that ground troops are possible "for a very good reason”, but he has not yet authorised the specific move to "go after" the nuclear material.

Is there a broader strategy?

The discussions reportedly extend beyond nuclear assets. Axios reports that administration officials have also discussed the potential seizure of Kharg Island.

Economic impact: Kharg Island is a strategic terminal responsible for roughly 90% of Iran's crude oil exports.

Strategic leverage: Seizing this hub would effectively strip the Iranian regime of its primary source of revenue, further crippling its ability to sustain military operations.