Esper: Sending special forces to find enriched uranium in Iran would be ‘very perilous’ mission

The Hill
by Ellen Mitchell
March 10, 2026
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2 min read

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Former Defense Secretary Esper warns against a "very perilous" mission to seize Iran's uranium.

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Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper stated Monday that a U.S. military mission to secure Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile would be "very perilous." President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed interest in deploying U.S. troops to Iran for this purpose, targeting approximately 900 pounds of nuclear material. This potential deployment underscores ongoing concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program and the risks associated with military intervention. The remarks highlight the significant strategic and operational challenges such an action would entail. This situation suggests continued high-level discussions regarding military options concerning Iran's nuclear capabilities.

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