Trump Paused Potential US Ground Mission to Seize Iran’s Uranium, According to CNN

According to CNN, the United States was actively preparing a military operation to capture Iran’s highly enriched uranium before President Donald Trump decided to pause the plan due to concerns about heavy casualties, Iranian retaliation and wider economic consequences.

US Ground Operation Considered Against Iran

The proposed mission reportedly involved sending US ground troops into Iran to secure highly enriched uranium stored at key nuclear facilities, including Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine received urgent briefings on the operation and later presented military options to Trump.

Officials warned that the mission carried significant risks and could expand the conflict across the region. Trump was also concerned about the potential loss of American lives and the possibility of a prolonged military campaign.

Iran Nuclear Talks and Regional Risks

The discussions took place while Washington and Tehran were engaged in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and the future of the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate Iran possesses around 970 pounds of near weapons-grade uranium.

Military experts have questioned whether the material could be safely located and removed because much of it is stored deep inside underground tunnels. Analysts also warned that any military action could disrupt global trade routes and increase tensions across the Middle East.