US military planning contingencies to secure Iran's nuclear materials

Washington D.C. – Amidst escalating tensions and volatile diplomacy with Iran, U.S. military planners have been discussing potential scenarios for securing Iran's nuclear materials. These preliminary contingency plans are contingent on a future deal being reached between the U.S. and Iran, according to U.S. officials familiar with the planning.

The discussions primarily focus on how the Pentagon could support the Department of Energy in operations to seize Tehran's highly enriched uranium. One scenario under review involves deploying U.S. troops to various Middle Eastern countries to facilitate a rapid response operation. Specialized teams, including those from the Department of Energy's Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST), U.S. Special Operations forces, and the Army's 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives Command, could then enter Iran to locate, secure, and remove nuclear material stockpiles.

“

destroyed on site and then taken out of the country.

Officials emphasized that these discussions are part of routine military contingency planning and do not signify a decision to launch an operation. The planning comes as a potential deal, which could be signed in the coming days, reportedly includes provisions for Iran's enriched uranium to be "destroyed on site and then taken out of the country." Technical negotiations for such a process are expected to last 60 days after a memorandum of understanding is signed.

Previous planning, examined before an American F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down in April, also explored similar concepts involving the Department of Energy's NEST. The current discussions highlight the U.S. military's preparedness for various geopolitical developments related to Iran's nuclear program.

“

technical process to figure that out