WASHINGTON — As the conflict with Iran enters a more uncertain phase, the Trump administration is actively strategizing options to secure or extract Iran’s nuclear materials, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the discussions. The deliberations reflect a shift in focus from initial efforts to degrade Iran’s conventional military capabilities to a more enduring objective: preventing Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.
Even as the timing of any potential operation remains unclear and President Trump has yet to make a final decision, planning has reportedly centered on the possible deployment of forces from the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), the military’s elite unit specializing in high-stakes counter-proliferation missions. The potential for direct action underscores the escalating tensions and the administration’s determination to neutralize what it views as an existential threat.
The evolving situation comes amid a backdrop of recent attacks and counterstrikes. Six U.S. Service members were killed in an Iranian drone attack on a base in Kuwait, and another died in a separate attack in Saudi Arabia. Six Americans also perished when a refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq last week. These incidents, coupled with Iran’s disruption of oil shipments by threatening vessels in the region, have heightened the sense of urgency within the administration.
The focus on Iran’s nuclear stockpiles is driven by concerns over the country’s enrichment of uranium. As of last summer, Iran had amassed approximately 972 pounds of uranium enriched to 60%, a level that brings it significantly closer to weapons-grade material, according to the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Much of this uranium remains stored at nuclear sites that have been targeted in previous U.S. Operations.
A Risky Undertaking: The Challenges of Seizing Nuclear Material
Retrieving Iran’s enriched uranium would be a complex and perilous undertaking. “We’re talking about cylinders containing gas of highly contaminated uranium hexafluoride at 60%, so it’s very challenging to handle,” explained Rafael Grossi, the IAEA’s director-general, in a recent interview with CBS News’ “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.” “I’m not saying it’s impossible. I know that there are incredible military capacities to do that, but it would be [a] very challenging operation for sure.”
The technical difficulties are compounded by the political and strategic risks. Any military action inside Iran could trigger a wider regional conflict, and the potential for miscalculation or escalation is significant. The administration is weighing these risks carefully as it considers its options.
From Degrading Capabilities to Preventing Proliferation
The initial phase of the U.S.-Israel-led campaign focused on degrading Iran’s conventional military capabilities, targeting air defenses, missile systems, and infrastructure linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This was intended to limit Iran’s ability to retaliate against the U.S. And its allies. However, Iran has demonstrated its capacity to launch counterstrikes against Israel and U.S.-allied nations in the Gulf, and to disrupt maritime traffic.
This resilience has prompted a shift in strategy, with the administration now prioritizing the prevention of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon – a goal President Trump has repeatedly stated since the beginning of the conflict. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed earlier this week that seizing Iran’s nuclear stockpiles remains “an option on the table.”
Past Negotiations and Current Impasse
Prior to the outbreak of the current conflict, the U.S. And Iran engaged in indirect talks aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program. These discussions, mediated in part by Oman, explored possibilities such as blending down Iran’s highly enriched uranium to a lower level and converting it into fuel, according to Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi.
However, those negotiations stalled, largely due to President Trump’s insistence that Iran cease all uranium enrichment, even at levels below those required for weapons production – a demand the Iranian government has rejected. The U.S. Intelligence community, as recently as last spring, assessed that Iran was not actively pursuing the development of a nuclear weapon, though Iran’s continued enrichment to 60% remains a major concern. The IAEA has noted that Iran is the only non-nuclear weapons state to enrich uranium to this level.
Trump’s Stance and Potential for De-escalation
In a Truth Social post Friday evening, President Trump indicated that the U.S. Is “getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran.” This statement suggests a potential path toward de-escalation, but the administration has not ruled out further military action if necessary to achieve its objectives.
The Pentagon has not yet commented on specific preparations for a potential operation to secure Iran’s nuclear materials, but a White House spokesperson indicated that such preparations fall under the purview of the Department of Defense. The situation remains fluid, and the coming days and weeks will be critical in determining the future course of the conflict.
The administration’s deliberations highlight the complex challenges of containing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and preventing a wider regional war. The potential for a military operation to seize Iran’s nuclear stockpiles carries significant risks, but the administration appears determined to explore all available options to ensure that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon. The next key development will likely be a formal decision from President Trump regarding the future direction of the military campaign.
This represents a developing story.
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety or stress related to global events, resources are available. You can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, or call the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
