Iran, CBS: “Trump is developing a strategy to seize Tehran’s nuclear stockpiles”

Rome, Mar. 21 (LaPresse) – The Trump administration is developing strategies, methods, and options to secure or extract Iran’s nuclear materials. This was reported by CBS, citing several sources familiar with the matter. The timing of any potential operation, should the American president decide to authorize it, is not yet clear, the broadcaster explains, citing a source who stated that no decision has been made so far. However, planning has focused on the possible deployment of forces from the Joint Special Operations Command, the elite military unit often tasked with the most sensitive counter-proliferation missions, two sources told CBS. A White House spokesperson said it is up to the Pentagon to handle preparations, while a Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment. U.S. officials, the broadcaster continues, stated that the Trump administration has not ruled out attempting to recover Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpiles as part of the current military campaign. It is noted, however, that any mission aimed at seizing uranium would be difficult and potentially risky. “We are talking about cylinders containing uranium hexafluoride gas enriched to 60%, so it is very difficult to handle,” Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, said on CBS News’ program Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan this week. “I am not saying it’s impossible,” he added. “I know there are incredible military capabilities to do it, but it would certainly be a very challenging operation.”