Axios: US, Israel weigh sending special forces to seize Iran's nuclear stockpile

The United States and Israel have reportedly discussed the possibility of deploying special forces to Iran to capture stockpiles of enriched uranium, other nuclear materials, and key oil facilities, Axios reports, citing multiple sources.

According to four individuals familiar with the discussions, the potential operation would aim to secure highly enriched uranium at a later stage of a conflict. Any such mission would require storming heavily fortified underground facilities.

It remains unclear whether the task would fall to U.S. or Israeli special forces, or if it would be a joint operation. Axios notes that seizing nuclear fuel would only be feasible if Iranian armed forces no longer posed a significant threat.

Preventing Iran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon is one of President Trump's stated war objectives. The regime's 450 kilograms of 60%-enriched uranium — convertible to weapons grade within weeks — is one key to that goal.