Washington: US planners were reportedly close to approving a ground operation inside Iran to seize enriched uranium, but President Donald Trump halted the plan after being warned the mission carried a high risk of US casualties and broader escalation, according to a CNN report citing two people familiar with the matter.
CNN reported that Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, flew from a NATO meeting in Brussels to Tampa, Florida, on May 19 to brief Trump about the proposed operation, indicating the mission had advanced to a late stage before the president decided not to proceed.
The sources told CNN the plan posed significant danger, including the potential for heavy US losses and severe Iranian retaliation, which influenced the decision to pause, as reported by The Jerusalem Post.
A spokesperson for the US Joint Staff did not provide comment to CNN about the alleged operation.
Meanwhile, a Reuters report said an emerging US–Iran agreement would require dismantling elements of Iran’s nuclear programme and permit US authorities to take possession of the regime’s enriched uranium.
A senior US official speaking to Reuters described additional components of the deal, saying it would lead to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and end a US blockade on Iranian ports.
The official also said Iran had committed not to pursue a nuclear weapon under the agreement, framing the pact as a significant step toward that goal.
