Axios: US, Israel consider special forces mission to seize Iran's uranium

The US and Israel have considered sending special forces into Iran to seize its highly enriched uranium once Iranian military defenses are deemed manageable, Axios reported, citing four sources familiar with the discussions.

The sources said the operation could involve US, Israeli or joint forces entering heavily fortified nuclear facilities to seize roughly 450 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, which could be converted to weapons-grade material within weeks.

One US official told Axios the administration has discussed two options: removing the uranium from Iran or bringing nuclear experts to dilute it on site, potentially alongside scientists from the International Atomic Energy Agency.

An Israeli defense official said US President Donald Trump and his team are seriously considering special operations missions inside Iran, though any move would likely come only after Iran's military can no longer pose a serious threat to the ground mission.

Trump told reporters on Saturday he would not rule out deploying troops "for a very good reason," while a White House spokesperson said the president keeps all options open.

Axios also reported that US officials have discussed the possibility of seizing Kharg Island, a key terminal handling most of Iran's crude exports, as part of broader contingency planning.