Exclusive: US military rushed to prepare ground mission to capture Iran’s uranium, but Trump paused it, sources say
Exclusive: US Military Seeks to Capture Iran’s Uranium, Trump Halts Mission, Sources Report
Urgent Plan to Secure Nuclear Assets Sparks Debate
Exclusive: The United States military was moving swiftly to devise a high-stakes ground mission in Iran, targeting the country’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. This critical material, vital for nuclear weapon production, became the centerpiece of a secret meeting at the US Central Command headquarters in Florida, according to two unnamed officials speaking to CNN. The briefing, described as both sensitive and time-sensitive, prompted General Dan Caine, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to cut short a senior NATO meeting in Brussels and return to Tampa on May 19. The urgency reflects the administration’s growing concern over Iran’s nuclear capabilities, even as regional tensions remained high.
Exclusive sources indicated that the plan, if executed, would involve deploying ground troops to secure the uranium before it could be weaponized. The mission’s goal was to neutralize Iran’s ability to advance its nuclear program without launching a full-scale invasion. However, the operation’s potential risks—including the threat of Iranian retaliation and the impact on global markets—were emphasized during the briefing, leading to a cautious approach from the president. The decision to pause the mission highlights the administration’s balancing act between military action and diplomatic negotiations.
Trump’s Hesitation and Strategic Calculations
Exclusive: President Donald Trump was reportedly advised that a ground mission could provoke a severe Iranian response, prompting a temporary halt to the operation. The move underscores Trump’s reluctance to escalate the conflict further, despite earlier hints of a potential military strike. Senior officials are now evaluating the long-term consequences of such a mission, including the possibility of prolonged warfare and its effect on international relations.
“I don’t know if America has the stomach for it,” Trump said, referencing the potential for a major military engagement. The president’s skepticism about public support for a mission involving heavy casualties played a key role in the pause. With recent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz already unsettling global trade, Trump’s administration is weighing the risks of another confrontation, particularly if Iran retaliates with attacks on US interests in the region.
Backchannel Talks and Unmet Agreements
Exclusive: Despite the pause, the military’s advanced planning did not end. The operation coincided with Trump’s repeated claims of progress in backchannel negotiations with Iran. Earlier this month, the president announced that a deal to open the Strait of Hormuz and resolve the nuclear dispute might be finalized by the weekend. Yet, the discussions about a ground mission suggest the administration was prepared to take more aggressive action if talks stalled.
Exclusive sources revealed that Iran allegedly agreed to terms including the destruction of its nuclear material and the dismantling of its program, in exchange for sanctions relief. However, Iran’s state media contradicted these claims, insisting the country would not cede control of the Strait of Hormuz and demanded the immediate release of $24 billion in frozen assets as a condition for any deal. The uranium capture remains a top priority for Trump, who has consistently signaled his desire to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Iran’s Economic Leverage and Regional Impact
Exclusive: As the military race to secure the uranium continued, Iran appeared to be preparing its own countermove. Officials in Tehran reportedly planned to use an economic leverage tactic, known as the “nuclear option,” if negotiations with the US collapsed. This strategy involves the Houthis, Iran’s proxy force in Yemen, to block the Bab-al-Mandab Strait—a vital chokepoint for shipping into the Red Sea. Such a closure could disrupt global trade, escalating tensions and potentially drawing other regional powers into the conflict.
Exclusive reports suggest the uranium’s strategic placement in underground tunnels across key facilities like Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow complicates US efforts to capture it efficiently. Nuclear experts have questioned whether the mission could successfully locate and extract all 970 pounds of near-weapons-grade material, given the dispersed nature of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The administration’s focus on this objective reflects a broader strategic shift toward containing Iran’s nuclear advancements through combined military and diplomatic pressure.