The operation would be complex, high-risk, and could extend the conflict, experts warn

US President Donald Trump is considering a military operation to seize the enriched uranium held at Iranian nuclear sites, the Wall Street Journal has reported, citing sources. 

No decision has been made, but Trump remains "generally open" to the option while weighing the risks to US troops, the report said on Sunday. At least 13 US service members have been killed and about 200 wounded since the Iran conflict began in late February.

Before US and Israeli strikes in June 2025, Iran was believed to hold more than 400 kg of uranium enriched to 60% and nearly 200 kg at 20%, which can be further enriched to weapons-grade levels. Most of the material is located at underground facilities in Isfahan and Natanz, according to IAEA chief Rafael Grossi.

Trump has also instructed advisers to increase pressure on Tehran to hand over about 450 kg of enriched uranium as a condition for ending the conflict and has discussed "seizing it by force" if negotiations fail, according to the report. He and some allies have said privately the material could be captured in a targeted operation without prolonging the war, potentially allowing it to wind down by mid-April.

Military experts, however, say any such operation would be complex and high-risk, likely taking weeks and involving coordinated actions across many dispersed sites. US forces would need to secure the facilities under potential missile and drone fire before specialist teams extract the uranium, stored in dozens of cylinders that would require transport in protected casks.

On Sunday, Trump warned of escalation, saying Iran must comply with US demands or "they're not going to have a country," adding: "They're going to give us the nuclear dust."

The report follows Iran's rejection last week of a proposed US roadmap that called for dismantling its nuclear program, curbing missile activity and ending support for regional allies, with Tehran saying any deal must include "concrete guarantees" and not be dictated by Washington.

The US has long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, an allegation Tehran denies, saying its program is purely peaceful, with the claim serving as a central pretext for the conflict.

In an interview with the Financial Times on Sunday, Trump said he would like to take control of Iran's oil. 

"To be honest with you, my favorite thing is to take the oil in Iran," Trump said, dismissing critics in the US as "stupid people."

He added that he was not ruling out the possibility of US forces seizing the key export hub of Kharg Island.