Trump Orders Plans to Seize Iranian Uranium in Operation Epic Fury

Donald Trump ordered the U.S. military to develop a high-risk ground operation, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, to seize approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity. The mission targets underground tunnels at the Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordo facilities to ensure Iran can "never have a nuclear weapon." This directive follows Iran's rejection of a 15-point U.S. peace framework demanding the surrender of the material, which Trump characterized as "nuclear dust."

The proposed plan involves deploying special operations forces, including Delta Force and Navy SEALs, alongside engineers to excavate radioactive canisters from rubble-filled tunnels. The operation would require constructing a temporary runway within Iran to airlift the material out of the country. Military experts and former Army Secretary Christine E. Wormuth warned that the mission is exceptionally hazardous, citing risks of toxic fluorine gas exposure, radiation, and Iranian "mosaic defense" systems involving the IRGC and Basij paramilitary.

Trump's rhetoric has vacillated, at one point claiming the nuclear problem was solved because the material was stored too deep underground. However, he recently shifted back to a hardline stance in a national address, stating the U.S. will hit Iran "extremely hard over the next two to three weeks" to "finish the job." While the International Atomic Energy Agency has considered negotiated removal options, Director General Rafael Grossi noted that inspections are impossible while bombs are falling.