The United States is considering a special military operation to seize Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium this month [1].

This potential move represents a significant escalation in stalled nuclear negotiations. By removing the material, the U.S. aims to prevent Iran from acquiring bomb-grade capabilities and increase pressure on Tehran during ongoing conflicts.

President Donald Trump is weighing the option of deploying special forces on the ground to seize the near-bomb-grade uranium [2]. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth issued an ultimatum regarding the stockpile on April 8, and said the U.S. would use "any means necessary" [3].

Reports indicate that Tehran possesses nearly 1,000 pounds of highly enriched uranium [4]. The current geopolitical climate is volatile, with CNN reporting on April 12 that the conflict has reached day 44 [5].

Military planners have looked to historical precedents for such a mission. In 1994, the U.S. conducted Project Sapphire in Kazakhstan, where it successfully seized 600 kg of enriched uranium [6]. The current proposal seeks to replicate that outcome by physically removing the threat rather than relying on diplomatic treaties.

There are conflicting reports regarding the next phase of U.S. strategy. While some reports suggest the launch of "Operation Midnight Hammer" to secure the uranium [3], other sources indicate the U.S. may instead blockade the Strait of Hormuz [5].

“"Any means necessary"”

The shift toward a 'seize-and-remove' strategy marks a departure from traditional sanctions-based diplomacy. By referencing Project Sapphire, the U.S. is signaling a preference for a high-risk, high-reward tactical strike over a protracted blockade or conventional war. This approach seeks to neutralize Iran's nuclear leverage instantly, though it carries the risk of triggering a wider regional escalation.