US plans massive ground raid to seize enriched uranium from Iran's nuclear sites
U.S. officials are evaluating a large‑scale special‑operations mission to capture Iran’s enriched uranium from heavily fortified nuclear facilities. The plan, described by CSIS deputy director Joseph Rodgers as “the most sophisticated operation in military history,” would involve thousands of ground troops to secure perimeters, clear booby‑traps, and protect convoy routes, with a small team of special operators—potentially SEAL Team 6’s Silver Squadron, the 2nd Ranger Battalion and the Army’s 21st Ordnance Company—responsible for extracting the material. Target sites include the Fordo and Isfahan complexes and the underground Pickaxe Mountain complex near Natanz. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported in 2025 that Iran holds over 20,000 lb (about 9 ton) of enriched uranium. Analysts note Iran has reinforced Isfahan with mines and explosives, raising operational risks. No official U.S. confirmation of a launch date or final approval has been released.
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 15 SOURCES] The United States is evaluating a large‑scale special‑operations mission to seize enriched uranium from Iran’s nuclear facilities. (multiple sources)
- [● 14 SOURCES] Joseph Rodgers, deputy director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said a military operation is the most likely way to remove Iran’s nuclear material because negotiations have not‑ (direct quote)
- [● 11 SOURCES] The operation would involve thousands of ground troops and elite units such as SEAL Team 6’s Silver Squadron, the 2nd Ranger Battalion and the 21st Ordnance Company. (multiple sources)
- [● 10 SOURCES] The planned targets are the Fordo and Isfahan nuclear complexes and the underground Pickaxe Mountain facility near Natanz. (multiple sources)
- [● 12 SOURCES] The operation is described as potentially the most sophisticated military operation in history. (multiple sources)
- [● 10 SOURCES] Iran has reinforced the Isfahan nuclear site with mines and explosive traps, making a raid more difficult. (multiple sources)
- [● 11 SOURCES] The International Atomic Energy Agency reported in 2025 that Iran possessed over 20,000 pounds (about 9 tons) of enriched uranium. (IAEA report)
- [● 12 SOURCES] No official U.S. confirmation of the operation’s launch or final approval has been released. (multiple sources)