Trump's Grounds for Concerns: Will the US Risk Lives to Take Iran’s Uranium? • FRANCE 24 English

Why It Matters

Seizing or destroying Iran’s enriched uranium could dramatically alter the U.S.–Iran conflict, but the operation’s massive cost and catastrophic risk make it a pivotal decision for regional stability and global non‑proliferation policy.

Key Takeaways

• Trump hints at seizing Iran’s enriched uranium amid escalating war.
• Experts warn operation would require massive special‑forces, excavation effort.
• Options include down‑blending, extraction, or detonating uranium on site.
• Pentagon seeks additional $200 billion to fund expanded Middle East campaign.
• Risks include chemical contamination, radiological accidents, and regional escalation.

Summary

The France 24 panel examined President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the United States might move to seize Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium as the Middle‑East conflict entered its third week. Trump claimed he was unaware of Israel’s recent strike on an Iranian gas field and warned he could target Iran’s southern gas installations if Tehran retaliated against Qatar, while simultaneously hinting at a bold operation to capture or destroy the fissile material stored near Isfahan.

Experts outlined the technical and logistical nightmare such a mission would entail. Iran is believed to hold roughly 400 kg of 60 percent‑enriched uranium, a material close to weapons grade, stored in underground canisters. U.S. intelligence says a narrow access point exists, but extracting it would demand specialized excavation teams, radiological handling units, and a sizable ground force—potentially the largest special‑operations raid in history. Options range from on‑site down‑blending, to moving the material out of the country, to detonating it in place, each carrying distinct proliferation, chemical, and radiological hazards.

Panelists cited Trump’s contradictory statements—denying troop deployments while hinting at a “military win”—and recalled the Carter administration’s failed 1979 rescue attempt as a cautionary tale. The Pentagon’s request for an extra $200 billion, eclipsing U.S. aid to Ukraine, underscores the financial stakes. Scholars warned that any misstep—leaking uranium hexafluoride, accidental criticality, or a regional fallout—could trigger a humanitarian and environmental crisis comparable to a large‑scale radiological incident.

If pursued, the operation would reshape U.S. strategy from a missile‑focused campaign to a high‑risk, high‑reward nuclear gambit, potentially escalating tensions with Iran and its allies while testing the limits of American special‑operations capability. The financial outlay and environmental risks also raise profound questions about the prudence of using force to address nuclear proliferation in an active war zone.

Original Description

The Middle East War is on its 19th day, the next phase could well be its most decisive. With a perceived split in US and Israeli strategy now emerging. If we can believe Donald Trump’s words. He says Israel bomned Iran’s gas field “without his knowledge.Then Trump, perhaps playing catch up, threatens to “blow up” - his phrase - Iran’s South Pars gasfield if Iran strikes Qatar. A move experts say would literally explode the region, sending a backdraft into Qatar. A remark that speaks loudly of a lack of understanding from Trump and his advisors... Iran is striking the Gulf allies of the United States because the US & Israel are bombing Iran… It’s like Catch 22.

And there’s another issue simmering away: what to do with Iran’s enriched uranium? Experts say this is the next big decision for US President Trump. Seizing Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium could well take the “largest special forces operation in history.” When US & Israeli jets bombed Iran’s nuclear faciilities last June, the regime was thought to have over 400 kg of 60% enriched uranium. This is near weapons grade. Weapons grade is enriched to 90%. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency half of Iran’s 60% enriched uranium is stored underground at Isfahan. US intelligence thinks there’s a “very narrow access point” through which this material could be retrieved. Tonight we discuss this next possible phase in the war, and what it could mean going forward.

#iran #nuclear #trump

🔔 Subscribe to France 24 now: https://f24.my/YTen

🔴 LIVE - Watch FRANCE 24 English 24/7 here: https://f24.my/YTliveEN

🌍 Read the latest International News and Top Stories: https://www.france24.com/en/

Like us on Facebook: https://f24.my/FBen

Follow us on X: https://f24.my/Xen

Bluesky: https://f24.my/BSen and Threads: https://f24.my/THen

Browse the news in pictures on Instagram: https://f24.my/IGen

Discover our TikTok videos: https://f24.my/TKen

Get the latest top stories on Telegram: https://f24.my/TGen