Trump Weighs Daring Raid to Seize Iran's Enriched Uranium

As nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran remain stalled, parallel statements from U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have intensified speculation about a high-risk military mission to secure or recover Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Trump indicated on Monday that American forces could be deployed inside Iran to retrieve the material, revealing that Tehran initially offered to escort U.S. personnel to damaged facilities before withdrawing the proposal.

"You have to take it yourselves," Trump quoted Iranian officials as telling him. He stressed that the United States is monitoring the site closely and will respond forcefully to any attempt to approach it. Netanyahu was more blunt during an interview with "60 Minutes," replying to a question about how to extract the uranium: "You go in and take it."

Coordinated Messaging from Washington and Tel Aviv

Netanyahu added that Trump had informed him of his desire to carry out such an operation, describing it as "practically possible," while declining to discuss military specifics or a timeline. According to The War Zone, the synchronized remarks point to clear coordination between the U.S. and Israel, especially given the failure of diplomatic efforts so far.

Israeli officials have reportedly expressed hope that Trump would order a special operation to secure the stockpile, which is estimated to be enough to produce roughly 12 nuclear warheads if fully enriched and processed. Experts warn that any ground mission to recover the uranium—believed to be buried under the rubble of the Isfahan nuclear complex—would be extremely complex and dangerous, potentially requiring U.S., Israeli, or joint special forces.

Tehran's Demands and Trump's Rejection

Trump dismissed Iran's latest offer as a "piece of garbage," according to his own words, and stated that the ceasefire is "on life support." Tehran is demanding war reparations, the lifting of sanctions, and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. CNN, citing sources, reported that Trump is now considering resuming the war against Iran more seriously.