US Uranium Seizure Plan in Iran Faces Major Challenges

(MENAFN) As Washington considers the possibility of a military operation to take control of Iran’s highly enriched uranium, analysts caution that such a move would be extremely complex, involving major intelligence, operational, and logistical hurdles. Key difficulties would include pinpointing the material’s exact location and safely removing it in a hostile environment, according to reports.

"It would be difficult to identify, locate, and extract all of it," said Richard Nephew, an American specialist in sanctions policy and nuclear nonproliferation, in remarks cited by reports.

Data from the International Atomic Energy Agency indicates that Iran had stockpiled approximately 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity—just below the level typically associated with weapons-grade material.

Still, uncertainty surrounds part of that reserve following strikes in 2025 and the halt of routine monitoring activities. This has made the precise whereabouts of the uranium a central concern, particularly amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran after the recent conflict.

In March, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that the uranium had been buried beneath debris at nuclear sites damaged in attacks. While he noted that it could eventually be recovered, he indicated there were no immediate plans to do so.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump declared that Iran would not be permitted to continue uranium enrichment and said the United States would secure the material. However, he acknowledged that retrieving it would be a “long and difficult process.”

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