US weighs covert raid to seize Iran's enriched uranium

The Trump administration reportedly considers deploying special forces into Iran to secure its stockpile of highly enriched uranium (about 440 kg, potentially enough for 10 nuclear weapons), with discussions of a mission involving security and extraction. The IAEA has identified large HEU reserves in deep tunnels at Isfahan and at Natanz’s Pickaxe Mountain facility, raising the stakes and complicating any operation. Experts warn such a ground operation would be extremely challenging and risky, prompting debate among lawmakers and analysts about alternatives, including dilution or shipment of the material and continued monitoring, while signaling that a strike or later action remains within the realm of possibility.