Trump Explores Possibility of Iran Uranium Seizure
The report, published Sunday, said no final decision has been reached. However, Trump is described as remaining “generally open” to the option as he evaluates the potential dangers to American forces. Since hostilities with Iran erupted in late February, at least 13 US service members have been killed and around 200 others injured.
Prior to joint US and Israeli strikes in June 2025, Iran was estimated to possess over 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, along with nearly 200 kilograms enriched to 20%—material that could be further refined to weapons-grade levels. According to International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi, the bulk of this stockpile is housed in underground facilities in Isfahan and Natanz.
Trump has also directed his advisers to intensify pressure on Tehran to surrender roughly 450 kilograms of enriched uranium as part of any agreement to end the conflict. The Wall Street Journal report said he has discussed “seizing it by force” if diplomatic efforts collapse. Privately, Trump and some allies believe a focused operation could secure the material without extending the war, potentially allowing it to conclude by mid-April.
Defense analysts caution that such a mission would be highly complex and fraught with risk. Any attempt to capture the uranium would likely span several weeks and require synchronized operations across multiple, widely separated sites. US troops would need to secure the facilities amid possible missile and drone attacks before specialized units could remove the uranium, which is stored in numerous cylinders requiring transport in reinforced containers.
Speaking Sunday, Trump issued a stark warning to Tehran, saying it must meet US demands or “they’re not going to have a country,” adding: “They’re going to give us the nuclear dust.”
The developments come after Iran last week rejected a US-backed proposal that called for dismantling its nuclear program, limiting missile capabilities and halting support for regional allies. Tehran insisted any agreement must include “concrete guarantees” and not be dictated by Washington.
Washington has long alleged that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons—a claim Tehran denies, maintaining its nuclear activities are strictly peaceful. The dispute remains a central driver of the ongoing conflict.
In a separate interview with the Financial Times on Sunday, Trump said he is also interested in controlling Iran’s oil resources.
“To be honest with you, my favorite thing is to take the oil in Iran,” Trump said, dismissing critics in the US as “stupid people.”
He added that he was not ruling out the possibility of US forces seizing Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export terminal.
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