Mar 21 • 23:14 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Nuclear removal or exit strategy... Trump at a crossroads of 'escalation vs. negotiation' with Iran

Amid escalating military tensions with Iran, the Trump administration is considering deploying special operations forces to secure Iran's enriched uranium while also reportedly preparing for peace negotiations.

As military conflict with Iran enters its fourth week, reports indicate that the Trump administration is contemplating the deployment of special operations forces to directly secure Iran's highly enriched uranium. The administration faces a critical decision point as President Trump has yet to finalize this strategy, with concerns intensifying over how to approach the ongoing military situation. Amidst these tensions, there are also reports suggesting that the U.S. is beginning preparations for potential peace negotiations with Iran, highlighting the complexity and stakes of the current situation.

According to multiple sources familiar with the discussions, the U.S. government is examining various methods to secure or extract nuclear materials from Iran, focusing particularly on the possible involvement of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that Iran has amassed approximately 972 pounds of uranium enriched to weapon-grade levels at around 60 percent purity, with a significant portion buried in destroyed nuclear facilities. Despite efforts by the U.S. and Israel to significantly diminish Iran's conventional military capabilities, the overarching goal of permanently eradicating Iran's nuclear weapon development capacity remains unmet.

Experts caution that while the operation to secure nuclear materials is not technically impossible, it poses significant challenges. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, emphasized the complexities involved in handling highly enriched uranium hexafluoride gas cylinders, stating that while the task is not unfeasible, it is certainly a highly challenging operation. Moreover, CNN reports that President Trump is reportedly receiving daily updates from military leaders regarding the possibility of directly deploying troops to Iran, as ground operation scenarios are being considered amid increased troop movements in the region. This ongoing situation reveals the delicate balance the Trump administration must navigate between military escalation and diplomatic resolution.

📡 Similar Coverage