Trump Stalled Plan to Seize Iranian Uranium, CNN Reports

The Trump administration considered a large-scale ground operation in Iran aimed at seizing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, CNN reported. Trump ultimately did not approve the plan due to fears of escalation and the potential loss of American lives.

A key objective of the planned operation was to secure some 440 kg of highly enriched uranium stored in several underground nuclear facilities in Iran. US intelligence agencies are concerned that the material could be used to build nuclear weapons.

Discussions about a possible operation intensified in late May, according to CNN, when the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, returned to the United States from Brussels for a series of classified briefings.

Economic risks played a significant role in the decision. US intelligence warned that Tehran could retaliate through the Yemeni Houthis and attempt to block the Bab al-Mandab strait, one of the world's most important maritime trade routes. Such a move could disrupt global supply chains and trigger a further rise in energy prices.

Experts say that securing and removing all uranium stockpiles would require hundreds of special forces personnel and a large US ground presence in Iran.

(max)