What is the story about?
The United States and Israel are reportedly discussing the deployment of special forces into Iran to secure its stockpile of highly enriched uranium (HEU), according to reports from Axios and Semafor.
This potential ground operation follows the start of a major conflict on February 28, codenamed Operation Epic Fury by the US and Operation Roaring Lion by Israel.
WHAT US AUTHORITIES SAY
According to four sources with knowledge of the discussions cited by Axios, such an operation would be considered at a later stage of the ongoing war. The move highlights the critical focus on Iranian nuclear assets as hostilities continue to escalate.
Reinforcing this strategic objective, United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has issued a new threat via social media, warning of lethal consequences for any entities that target American citizens. The warning, shared in a post by United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on X, underlined the administration’s uncompromising stance on national security.
“If you kill Americans, if you threaten Americans anywhere on earth, we will hunt you down without apology and without hesitation, and we will kill you," US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was quoted as saying.
Accompanying this stern message, a 21-second video clip was released, providing a visual demonstration of the military’s current reach. The footage showcased a series of “unclassified" images of vehicles and structures being bombed and destroyed by US forces during recent operations.
Hegseth’s remarks align with recent claims made by US President Donald Trump, who asserted on Saturday that the United States has successfully neutralised the entire Iranian leadership. The President characterised these military operations as the removal of a significant “cancer" from the global stage.
Reflecting on the week-old hostilities while travelling to Miami aboard Air Force One, the President maintained a confident outlook on the progress of the campaign. “We’re winning the war by a lot. We’ve decimated their whole evil empire. It’ll continue, I’m sure, for a little while. The war itself is going unbelievably. It’s as good as it can be," Trump asserted.
Speaking alongside the President, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff indicated that a diplomatic breakthrough remained a possibility, though the decision ultimately rests with the White House.
HOW WILL IT BE DONE?
According to reports from Axios and Semafor, two primary methods for securing the nuclear material are under consideration:
Extraction and Removal: Deploying specialised units to physically seize and transport the approximately 450kg – 460kg stockpile of highly enriched uranium out of Iran.
On-Site Dilution: Inserting nuclear experts alongside special forces to chemically dilute the uranium on-site, rendering it useless for weapons development.
TACTICAL EXECUTION AND UNITS
Specialised Units: The US Army’s Delta Force is reportedly prepared for these missions, having specifically trained for securing centrifuges and recovering hazardous nuclear materials.
Infrastructure Targeting: Ground operations would likely target hardened facilities such as Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Satellite imagery from early March 2026 has already confirmed damage to entrance buildings at the Natanz Nuclear Facility from previous air strikes.
Operational Support: Such a mission would require significant air cover and possibly the use of regional bases or aircraft carriers, such as the USS Abraham Lincoln.
INTERNATIONAL OVERSIGHT?
Discussions surrounding nuclear stockpiles are typically managed through international frameworks and diplomatic channels.
The primary mechanism for monitoring nuclear programs is through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which conducts inspections to ensure that nuclear materials remain under peaceful use and are not diverted for military purposes.
Issues related to nuclear enrichment are often addressed through multilateral agreements and diplomatic negotiations aimed at regional stability and non-proliferation.
Military planners in many nations often consider a wide range of contingencies regarding the security of sensitive materials. However, such discussions are generally classified and focused on preventive measures rather than active seizure.
Also Read: China's consumer inflation surges to a 3-year high as Iran war mounts pressure on oil prices
This potential ground operation follows the start of a major conflict on February 28, codenamed Operation Epic Fury by the US and Operation Roaring Lion by Israel.
WHAT US AUTHORITIES SAY
According to four sources with knowledge of the discussions cited by Axios, such an operation would be considered at a later stage of the ongoing war. The move highlights the critical focus on Iranian nuclear assets as hostilities continue to escalate.
Reinforcing this strategic objective, United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has issued a new threat via social media, warning of lethal consequences for any entities that target American citizens. The warning, shared in a post by United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on X, underlined the administration’s uncompromising stance on national security.
"If you kill Americans, if you threaten Americans anywhere on earth, we will hunt you down without apology and without hesitation and we will kill you."
- Secretary of War Pete Hegseth pic.twitter.com/l0jkXxI74y
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 8, 2026
“If you kill Americans, if you threaten Americans anywhere on earth, we will hunt you down without apology and without hesitation, and we will kill you," US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was quoted as saying.
Accompanying this stern message, a 21-second video clip was released, providing a visual demonstration of the military’s current reach. The footage showcased a series of “unclassified" images of vehicles and structures being bombed and destroyed by US forces during recent operations.
Hegseth’s remarks align with recent claims made by US President Donald Trump, who asserted on Saturday that the United States has successfully neutralised the entire Iranian leadership. The President characterised these military operations as the removal of a significant “cancer" from the global stage.
Reflecting on the week-old hostilities while travelling to Miami aboard Air Force One, the President maintained a confident outlook on the progress of the campaign. “We’re winning the war by a lot. We’ve decimated their whole evil empire. It’ll continue, I’m sure, for a little while. The war itself is going unbelievably. It’s as good as it can be," Trump asserted.
Speaking alongside the President, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff indicated that a diplomatic breakthrough remained a possibility, though the decision ultimately rests with the White House.
HOW WILL IT BE DONE?
According to reports from Axios and Semafor, two primary methods for securing the nuclear material are under consideration:
Extraction and Removal: Deploying specialised units to physically seize and transport the approximately 450kg – 460kg stockpile of highly enriched uranium out of Iran.
On-Site Dilution: Inserting nuclear experts alongside special forces to chemically dilute the uranium on-site, rendering it useless for weapons development.
TACTICAL EXECUTION AND UNITS
Specialised Units: The US Army’s Delta Force is reportedly prepared for these missions, having specifically trained for securing centrifuges and recovering hazardous nuclear materials.
Infrastructure Targeting: Ground operations would likely target hardened facilities such as Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Satellite imagery from early March 2026 has already confirmed damage to entrance buildings at the Natanz Nuclear Facility from previous air strikes.
Operational Support: Such a mission would require significant air cover and possibly the use of regional bases or aircraft carriers, such as the USS Abraham Lincoln.
INTERNATIONAL OVERSIGHT?
Discussions surrounding nuclear stockpiles are typically managed through international frameworks and diplomatic channels.
The primary mechanism for monitoring nuclear programs is through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which conducts inspections to ensure that nuclear materials remain under peaceful use and are not diverted for military purposes.
Issues related to nuclear enrichment are often addressed through multilateral agreements and diplomatic negotiations aimed at regional stability and non-proliferation.
Military planners in many nations often consider a wide range of contingencies regarding the security of sensitive materials. However, such discussions are generally classified and focused on preventive measures rather than active seizure.
Also Read: China's consumer inflation surges to a 3-year high as Iran war mounts pressure on oil prices
