Exclusive: US military rushed to prepare ground mission to capture Iran’s uranium, but Trump paused it, sources say

Exclusive: US Military Prepares to Seize Iran’s Uranium, But Trump Halts the Plan

Exclusive – Amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, the Pentagon’s top leader reportedly initiated a covert mission to ready ground forces for a high-stakes operation targeting Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. Two confidential sources, who have direct knowledge of the plans, disclosed to CNN that General Dan Caine, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made an urgent trip to the US Central Command headquarters in Florida last month. The visit, described as “secret” and “rushed,” was aimed at reviewing detailed strategies to secure Iran’s highly enriched uranium, a critical element in building a nuclear weapon. The briefing was so pressing that it required Caine to cut short a meeting with senior NATO officials in Brussels and return to Tampa, Florida, on May 19, according to the sources.

Urgency in the Briefings

The speed and intensity of the briefings highlighted the administration’s growing concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The operation, which would involve deploying US troops into Iranian territory, was framed as a necessary step to prevent the Islamic Republic from advancing its weapons-grade uranium program. However, the high-level discussions also underscored the risks involved, with officials stressing the potential for severe Iranian retaliation. This included strikes on US forces or attacks on key infrastructure, which could extend the conflict and destabilize global markets further.

Caine’s return to Tampa was not just a logistical move but a strategic one, as the Joint Chiefs sought to align the operation with broader geopolitical objectives. The planning came during a period of heightened activity in the Persian Gulf, where Iran had previously closed the Strait of Hormuz to disrupt international oil shipments. The military’s readiness to act demonstrated how close the White House had come to approving a direct confrontation, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. Yet, Trump’s decision to pause the initiative revealed his wariness of the situation, even as the administration pressed forward with its plans.

Trump’s Concerns Over Escalation

While the military was moving swiftly to prepare for the operation, Trump’s hesitation created a critical pause. According to sources, the president was warned that the mission could provoke an immediate and aggressive response from Iran. The risk of prolonged conflict, with its potential to draw in regional allies and escalate into a full-scale war, was a major factor in his decision. Additionally, Trump expressed unease about the toll such an operation might take on US personnel, a concern he has voiced repeatedly in recent months.

“Lots of risk,” said one insider, describing the military’s readiness as a sign of the administration’s shifting priorities. “It wasn’t surprising Trump opted against giving the go-ahead.”

The president’s pause also coincided with his repeated claims that a diplomatic agreement with Iran was near. On Thursday, Trump announced that a deal might be finalized by the weekend, promising to open the Strait of Hormuz and resolve disputes over Iran’s nuclear program. However, the recent military planning contradicted this optimism, showing how the administration had contingency plans in place should negotiations fail.

Iran’s Nuclear Options and Strategic Gambits

Meanwhile, Iran has not been idle in its own preparations. Three sources informed CNN that Tehran is actively considering an economic “nuclear option” as a fallback if talks with the US collapse. This option would involve mobilizing the Houthis, Iran’s primary proxy group in Yemen, to block the Bab-al-Mandab Strait—a vital maritime passage connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. By doing so, Iran could disrupt global trade routes and exert pressure on the US to reconsider its military approach.

The proposed deal, as outlined by a senior administration official, includes Iran agreeing to destroy its nuclear material, dismantle its program, and allow the Strait of Hormuz to remain open. In exchange, Iran would receive sanctions relief. However, Iranian state media has presented a contrasting view, asserting that Iran would not commit to ceding control of the Strait and that any agreement must include the immediate release of $24 billion in frozen assets. This divergence in positions highlights the complexity of the negotiations and the deepening divide between the two sides.

The Challenge of Seizing Uranium

Securing Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile remains one of Trump’s core objectives, yet it has not been fully realized through either diplomacy or military action. The uranium, which is concentrated to near-weapons grade, is stored in multiple locations across Iran’s nuclear facilities. Sources described how the material is dispersed across sites like Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow, with some portions buried deep within tunnels to protect them from aerial attacks. This decentralized approach complicates efforts to locate and extract the uranium, raising questions about the feasibility of a rapid military operation.

Nuclear experts have also expressed skepticism about the US’s ability to execute such a mission without significant challenges. They noted that even with advanced intelligence, the operation would require precise coordination to avoid detection and ensure the safe removal of the stockpile. The potential for Iran to retaliate with precision strikes or cyberattacks adds another layer of uncertainty, making the task more daunting. Despite these hurdles, the administration has not ruled out the possibility of taking direct action, leaving the door open for future escalation.

A Stalemate in Diplomacy

Trump’s frustration with Iran’s stance has been evident as the negotiations have stalled. The president has repeatedly emphasized the need for Iran to make concrete concessions, particularly regarding its nuclear program. However, Iran’s refusal to commit to a specific timeline or terms has kept the situation in limbo. The unresolved issue of the uranium stockpile, along with the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, continues to be a sticking point, with both sides preparing for the worst-case scenario.

As the conflict between the US and Iran intensifies, the potential for a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities looms larger. While the operation was temporarily halted, the groundwork laid by the Joint Chiefs suggests that the administration is still considering the option. The question remains whether Trump will take the next step or continue to negotiate, with the fate of the uranium stockpile hanging in the balance. For now, the situation reflects a precarious standoff, where diplomacy and military readiness are in constant tension.

The broader implications of this standoff extend beyond the immediate conflict. A successful operation to seize the uranium could signal a shift in the US’s strategy, demonstrating its willingness to use force to achieve strategic objectives. Conversely, a failed attempt might embolden Iran to accelerate its nuclear program, further complicating the global security landscape. As both sides prepare for the next phase, the world watches closely to see which path the US will choose.