President Donald Trump halted a US military plan for a ground operation to seize Iran's enriched uranium due to concerns over severe retaliation, prolonged conflict, and potential US casualties, according to a CNN report citing sources. The plan was considered even as Trump pursued diplomatic talks with Iran.
The report reveals the US came close to a high-risk military intervention in Iran, underscoring the volatile geopolitical tensions and the delicate balance between diplomacy and potential conflict over Iran's nuclear program and regional influence.
President Donald Trump halted a secret US military plan for a ground operation to seize Iran's highly enriched uranium, a material critical for nuclear weapons, due to concerns over severe Iranian retaliation, prolonged conflict, and potential US casualties, CNN reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine reportedly cut short a NATO meeting on May 19 to receive in-person briefings at US Central Command headquarters in Florida. He subsequently briefed President Trump on possible courses of action for the mission. Sources indicated that Trump ultimately decided against authorizing the operation after being warned of its high risks and the potential for significant US casualties, which he doubted the American public would support.
The detailed planning for the ground operation occurred even as Trump publicly suggested that the US and Iran were close to an agreement on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and finalizing talks on Iran's nuclear program. Trump stated on Thursday that a deal could be signed soon. However, the consideration of deploying ground troops highlights the administration's proximity to a major escalation.
One source described the potential military plans as carrying "lots of risk." The report also noted that Tehran has been preparing an economic "nuclear option" if talks fail, which involves directing the Houthis to close the Bab-al-Mandab strait, a vital global trade route. A senior US administration official claimed Iran had agreed in negotiations to dismantle its nuclear program, destroy nuclear material, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and cease funding terrorist proxies in exchange for sanctions relief. However, Iranian state media presented a different account, asserting Iran would not relinquish control of the Strait of Hormuz and demanding the immediate release of $24 billion in frozen funds.
Securing Iran's highly enriched uranium, including approximately 970 pounds concentrated to near-weapons grade, remains a key objective for Trump. This uranium is reportedly dispersed across multiple Iranian nuclear sites, including Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow, and stored deep within tunnels. Trump's frustration has reportedly grown as Iran has delayed agreeing to concessions on its nuclear program.