Exclusive: Iran sealed uranium cache and placed mines amid fears of US operation to seize material

Exclusive: Iran Seals Uranium Cache Amid US Seizure Fears

Exclusive: In a recent move, Iran has fortified its uranium stockpile by collapsing tunnels and installing mines at critical entry points, as revealed by five U.S. intelligence sources. The country’s nearly bomb-grade uranium, totaling approximately half a ton, has become significantly harder to access, with the added complexity of potential minefields. These actions underscore Tehran’s growing concern over a U.S. military operation to seize the material, which had been anticipated after President Donald Trump publicly signaled his intent to take control of the uranium. The measures highlight Iran’s strategic efforts to complicate any U.S. attempt to retrieve the enriched material.

Strategic Moves Complicate the Deal

Exclusive: The latest security upgrades by Iran have introduced new challenges to the Trump administration’s proposed agreement to remove the uranium. The mines and collapsed tunnels not only increase the risk for U.S. forces but also raise doubts about the feasibility of the operation. With the Iranian delegation at the United Nations yet to confirm the deal’s terms, and the White House offering vague responses, the situation remains fluid. Trump’s insistence on securing the uranium, however, remains a central goal in ongoing negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

“Exclusive: The changes in Iran’s infrastructure would make retrieval more difficult,” remarked Scott Roecker, a former head of the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Nuclear Material Removal. “We wouldn’t be certain that the uranium could be fully accounted for without facing obstacles.”

Roecker, who led nuclear material removal from 2017 to 2021, noted that the country’s defensive tactics could delay the verification process. He warned that if the uranium is not fully accessible, Iran might argue its retention, complicating the agreement’s execution. The international community suspects the majority of the stockpile is hidden in the Isfahan nuclear complex’s collapsed tunnels.

U.S. Military Preparedness and Trump’s Pause

Exclusive: The U.S. military had mobilized for a potential ground operation to target Iran’s uranium, according to intelligence sources. However, Trump temporarily halted the plan, emphasizing the risks involved. This decision, made during a classified briefing, reflects the delicate balance between military action and diplomatic strategy. The timing of the U.S. readiness coincides with rising tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran’s closure of the waterway disrupted global oil supplies.

Exclusive: A leaked draft of the proposed deal sparked immediate reactions from Trump, who criticized its terms on social media. The document suggested Iran would transfer its enriched uranium to U.S. custody for destruction, yet details remain unclear. Conflicting accounts from both sides have left the agreement’s specifics in question, with Iran yet to confirm its commitment. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle between the U.S. and Iran to secure a deal that satisfies both parties.

Logistical Hurdles and Future Negotiations

Exclusive: Iran’s reinforcement of its uranium sites has made retrieval efforts more perilous, even for its own forces. Heavy excavation equipment and meticulous de-mining operations would be required to access the material, adding time and resources to the process. “Exclusive: The current setup would delay the operation, as mines could pose a threat to even Iran’s own logistics,” one source explained. The international community is now closely monitoring how these obstacles will affect the timeline of any potential agreement.

Exclusive: Despite the challenges, U.S. officials maintain that the deal would ensure the uranium’s destruction, a key objective in reducing Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Meanwhile, Iran’s stance remains ambiguous, with its officials not yet confirming the terms. As negotiations continue, the technical complexities of the operation and the geopolitical stakes will likely shape the outcome. The U.S. may need to rely on specialized facilities, such as the one at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, to safely extract and process the enriched material.