Seizing Iran’s Nuclear Fuel: A High-Risk, Low-Feasibility Strategy

WIRED reports that a hypothetical plan by Trump to send U.S. ground troops to Iran to retrieve highly enriched uranium would be extraordinarily complex and dangerous, with experts deeming it likely infeasible. Any operation would involve multiple buried targets, possible air strikes to soften defenses, and JSOC-led breaching to recover or neutralize nuclear material, followed by decisions on whether to move the fuel to the U.S. or dilute it on site. The plan faces severe logistical challenges, uncertain quantities of HEU, and significant risk to troops, making success uncertain even with rapid deployment timelines.