US Mulls Special-Op to Seize Iran's Near-Weapons-Grade Uranium Amid Verification Challenges
March 9, 2026
The United States is weighing a special-operations option to seize Iran’s near-weapons-grade uranium amid uncertainty about the stockpile’s location and access for verification.
Two main avenues under consideration are physically removing the uranium from Iran or enabling on-site dilution by nuclear experts, with any operation planned to involve small special forces rather than a large invasion.
Axios and Bloomberg report that discussions include the possibility of U.S. and Israeli special forces securing the stockpiled uranium at a later stage of the conflict, signaling coordinated interest.
The excerpt provides the headline and source attribution without adding new substantive timeline or personnel specifics.
The push is driven by concerns that the stockpile may have been moved and that international inspectors have not recent access for verification.
The issue has resurfaced after strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which complicated efforts to track the material.
The broader regional tension is evident, with related strikes and attacks across the Middle East affecting multiple strategic sites.
Historically, a prior decision after a recent conflict was not to recover uranium due to safety risks, while high-level concerns about Iran’s nuclear arsenal remain.
Disclosures from Fusion Media indicate standard risk warnings and disclaimers rather than core news content.
IAEA-recorded stockpile included hundreds of kilograms of uranium enriched close to weapons-grade levels, with enough material for several warheads if refined.
Three diplomatic officials briefed on the matter spoke on condition of anonymity, underscoring restricted deliberations within the U.S. government.
Iranian leadership changes and hardline signals, alongside Israel’s warnings about threats tied to leadership transitions, feed into security calculations.
Summary based on 5 sources
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Sources

Investing.com • Mar 8, 2026
US considers idea of special operation to seize Iran’s uranium, Bloomberg News reports
Investing.com • Mar 8, 2026
US weighs special forces mission to seize Iran uranium, Bloomberg reports
The Japan Times • Mar 8, 2026
U.S. considers idea of special operation to seize Iran’s uranium