According to reports in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, US President Donald Trump is considering a possible military operation to seize about 1,000 pounds of enriched uranium from Iran.
US security officials have been quoted as saying that any such operation would be extremely complex and dangerous, and could require US troops to remain in Iran for “several days or longer”.
According to reports, US military forces deployed in the region could be used to retrieve material from underground nuclear facilities in Isfahan.
In addition, they could be deployed to protect Kharg Island or the Strait of Hormuz. The New York Times reported earlier this month that the mountains of Isfahan contain material that the US considers a threat to the development of nuclear weapons.
The Trump administration is giving the impression that the president is seriously considering options such as seizing uranium from Iran or a ground operation on Kharg Island. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, President Trump claimed that Iran was close to handing over the material, and if it did not do so, “it would have no country left.”
On the other hand, Iran has reacted strongly, describing the US statements as threats. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that Trump was using talk of talks to hide preparations for a ground invasion. According to him, Iran would not accept “surrender” and Iranian forces were “waiting for American troops.”
Thousands of US Marines, special forces and paratroopers are already in the region, which has increased speculation that Washington is preparing for a possible operation. However, the White House and the Pentagon did not respond to questions from the BBC in this regard.
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