The Pentagon is considering the possibility of a large-scale ground operation in Iran, with the objective of capturing or destroying its enriched uranium stockpiles, the New York Post and CNN report.
The plan is reportedly being considered as an alternative to airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and would require the commitment of thousands of US troops. In the first phase, conventional forces would secure the areas around the nuclear facilities, clear entrances and create safe corridors, while then special forces, including Navy SEALs and Army Rangers, would enter underground facilities to seize or destroy the uranium.
Possible targets include nuclear complexes in Fordow, Isfahan and the Natanz area, where, according to estimates by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has stored large amounts of enriched uranium.
Security experts warn that such an operation would be extremely difficult and high-risk, due to the fortified defenses of the facilities and the possibility of armed resistance.
So far, Washington has not officially confirmed the approval of a ground operation, emphasizing that it is one of several scenarios being considered by military planners.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have claimed that their recent attacks have caused heavy losses among the US military. These claims have not been independently verified, while the Pentagon and US Central Command have not released official casualty figures.
