Trump considering raid on Iran to extract enriched uranium – WSJ

(SeaPRwire) –   Experts caution that such an operation would carry significant risks, be highly complex, and potentially prolong the conflict

According to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal, US President Donald Trump is evaluating a military strike aimed at capturing the enriched uranium stored at Iranian nuclear facilities.

Although a final decision has not been reached, the report on Sunday indicates that Trump remains “generally open” to this approach as he assesses the dangers to American military personnel. Since the conflict with Iran started in late February, 13 US service members have died and approximately 200 have been injured.

Prior to the strikes conducted by the US and Israel in June 2025, estimates suggested Iran possessed over 400 kg of uranium enriched to 60% and close to 200 kg enriched to 20%, both of which can be processed to weapons-grade levels. International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi stated that the majority of this stockpile is housed in underground sites at Natanz and Isfahan.

The report notes that Trump has directed his advisors to ramp up pressure on Tehran to surrender roughly 450 kg of enriched uranium as a prerequisite for stopping the hostilities. He has reportedly entertained the idea of “seizing it by force” should diplomatic efforts collapse. Trump and certain allies have privately expressed confidence that the material could be secured through a focused operation that does not extend the war, possibly enabling a resolution by mid-April.

Conversely, military analysts argue that any mission of this nature would be intricate and perilous, likely requiring several weeks and synchronized efforts across multiple scattered locations. Before specialized teams can remove the uranium—which is kept in numerous cylinders needing transport in shielded casks—US troops would have to secure the sites amidst possible missile and drone assaults.

On Sunday, Trump issued a warning regarding further escalation, stating that Iran must adhere to US requirements or “they’re not going to have a country,” and further remarked: “They’re going to give us the nuclear dust.”

This report comes after Iran dismissed a US-proposed roadmap last week that demanded the dismantling of its nuclear initiatives, a reduction in missile operations, and a cessation of backing for regional partners. Tehran countered that any agreement must offer “concrete guarantees” and cannot be imposed by Washington.

Washington has consistently charged Iran with seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran vehemently rejects, asserting that its atomic program is intended solely for peaceful purposes. The US accusation has served as a primary justification for the ongoing conflict.

Speaking with the Financial Times on Sunday, Trump expressed his desire to seize control of Iran’s oil resources.

“To be honest with you, my favorite thing is to take the oil in Iran,” Trump declared, labeling his American critics as “stupid people.”

He went on to state that he has not excluded the option of US forces capturing the crucial export terminal at Kharg Island.