Iran Fortifies Uranium Sites as US Peace Deal Nears

Iran has fortified its stockpiles of approximately 970 pounds of near-weapons-grade uranium by deliberately collapsing underground tunnels and installing explosive mines. These actions, concentrated at the Isfahan nuclear complex and sites in Natanz and Fordow, follow public signals from Donald Trump regarding a potential military seizure of the material.

In mid-May, the U.S. military planned a secret ground operation to forcibly seize the uranium. President Trump paused the mission after warnings from General Dan Caine and other officials that the operation could trigger severe Iranian retaliation, increase U.S. casualties, and destabilize the global economy. Following the pause, the U.S. entered negotiations to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with a framework requiring Iran to surrender the uranium for on-site destruction.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently announced that a peace deal framework has been reached, though U.S. and Iranian officials continue to dispute specific terms. Experts, including Scott Roecker, warn that Iran's fortifications may be a tactic to hide portions of the stockpile or claim they are irretrievable to avoid full compliance. Despite the diplomatic track, U.S. military planners are developing contingencies involving Special Operations and the Army's 20th CBRNE Command to secure the material, which would require specialized mobile facilities from the National Nuclear Security Administration's Oak Ridge National Laboratory.