Pentagon develops scenarios for large-scale ground operation in Iran to extract enriched uranium

The U.S. military is reportedly developing contingency plans for a large-scale ground operation in Iran, specifically targeting the country's enriched uranium stockpiles. This potential ground assault is being considered as an alternative to continued airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure.

The operation would require thousands of American troops. Initial phases would involve conventional forces securing territory around nuclear facilities, neutralizing mines, and breaching fortified underground complexes. Smaller tactical teams, potentially including Navy SEALs and Army Rangers, would then enter these sites to extract or destroy the enriched uranium.

Possible targets include underground complexes at Fordo and Isfahan, as well as a facility near Natanz known as "The Pickaxe Mountain." The International Atomic Energy Agency estimated in 2025 that Iran had accumulated over nine tons of enriched uranium, with a significant portion stored in deep tunnel networks near Isfahan.

Security analysts warn of severe risks and potential casualties due to the highly fortified and mined nature of these facilities. Some experts suggest a ground intervention might be the only remaining method for rapid neutralization of Iran's nuclear material, given diplomatic stagnation. However, the operation's complexity and inherent dangers are significant concerns.

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a ground intervention scenario could be the only remaining method for the rapid neutralization of Iranian nuclear material, given the lack of progress on the diplomatic front.