CNN: The U.S. Had Prepared A Ground Operation In Iran, But Trump Called It Off
6- 13.06.2026, 10:44
Washington is banking on a diplomatic solution.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump was close to approving a risky ground operation in Iran aimed at seizing stocks of highly enriched uranium, but the White House ultimately suspended these plans due to fears of a major escalation of the conflict. This was reported by CNN citing sources familiar with the discussions.
According to the network’s sources, in late May, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dane Kane urgently returned from Brussels to the U.S. Central Command headquarters in Florida to receive classified briefings regarding a potential operation in Iran.
The U.S. plan called for the deployment of American forces to physically seize the stockpiles of highly enriched uranium that Iran had accumulated at its nuclear facilities. According to U.S. intelligence assessments, these materials could be used to build nuclear weapons.
After hearing the military’s report, Trump decided not to give final approval for the operation. According to sources, the U.S. president was concerned about possible significant casualties among American troops and the risk of dragging the country into a protracted conflict in the Middle East.
Risks to the global economy
U.S. intelligence also warned of a possible response from Tehran. In particular, Iran could use its Yemeni Houthi allies to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—one of the key routes for global maritime trade.
Such a scenario could deal a serious blow to the global economy and trigger a new spike in energy prices.
Iranian Uranium Remains the Main Problem
According to CNN, Iran possesses approximately 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium, which is stored at several nuclear facilities located in secure underground complexes.
Experts doubt that even a large-scale military operation would allow for the rapid location and safe removal of all stockpiles of the material. To do so, the U.S. might need hundreds of special forces personnel and a significant ground presence.
Negotiations continue
Despite military scenarios, Washington and Tehran continue negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. Trump recently stated that the parties are close to a potential agreement, but the positions of the U.S. and Iran on key terms of the deal remain significantly different.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in turn, stated that while changes to the agreement are still possible, preliminary results allegedly indicate that his country has emerged from the conflict “stronger.”
According to CNN sources, the option of a military seizure of Iranian uranium has not been definitively ruled out, although Washington is currently banking on a diplomatic resolution.
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