Trump reveals he rejected 'too risky' military plan to seize Iran's nuclear stockpile

Former US President Donald Trump disclosed that he contemplated, but ultimately dismissed, a military operation to deploy American troops into Iran to seize its enriched uranium stockpile. This consideration occurred amid the re-emergence of the West Asia conflict and ongoing diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Trump described the proposed cross-border operation as "too risky," estimating it would have necessitated a two-week execution period and substantial logistical movement of military hardware into Iranian territory. He referred to the sensitive nuclear material as "nuclear dust" and stated that Pentagon planners had explored various methods for its recovery.

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We could get it right now.

Despite shelving the active military plan, Trump asserted that the US retains the capability to carry out such an operation, stating, "We could get it right now." He added, "I don't think they could stop us if we wanted, but there's no reason to. It's entombed." He suggested the material is currently secure and does not require immediate intervention, asserting that a formal diplomatic accord with Tehran is not necessary for the US to take possession of the uranium.

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I don't think they could stop us if we wanted, but there's no reason to. It's entombed.

Trump also expressed a strong reluctance for a face-to-face meeting with Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, though he conceded it could happen if a broader diplomatic framework is finalized. He noted that despite precision US-Israeli operations targeting Khamenei's family, he anticipated professional conduct from the Iranian leader.

Concurrently, reports indicated that senior US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner consulted with technical specialists in Tennessee regarding upcoming nuclear negotiations with Iran. The White House is pursuing a memorandum of understanding with Tehran to halt hostilities and initiate comprehensive nuclear talks, though officials note significant disagreements remain between the two administrations.

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We killed his father, his wife and his son, so I'm probably not his favourite person... But in some circles, he has a very good reputation, actually.