Former CENTCOM Commanders Warn Against High-Risk U.S. Operation to Seize Iranian Uranium

Retired U.S. military leaders are warning that a proposed ground operation to seize highly enriched uranium from Iran would be 'exceedingly risky' and likely result in substantial casualties. Former CENTCOM commanders David Petraeus and Joseph Votel cautioned that the logistical complexity of excavating radioactive material from bombed sites presents a 'very tall order' for U.S. forces. The warnings come as a fragile two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire this Wednesday.

The Details

Retired General David Petraeus, former head of CENTCOM and the CIA, stated on Fox News that the U.S. lacks precise knowledge of the location of approximately 1,000 pounds of 60% enriched uranium. He noted that forces would be required to 'excavate very, very substantially,' which would make any forced ground operation extremely challenging. Petraeus further rejected the notion that decapitation strikes against Iranian leadership would resolve the broader conflict, asserting that 'assassinating a few more leaders is not going to bring this issue to a close.' Retired General Joseph Votel corroborated these concerns, telling The War Zone that such a mission would necessitate a brigade-sized force of 1,000 to 4,000 troops. Votel emphasized that the operation would require extensive air cover and complex logistics, adding that while this falls within the problem set of U.S. Special Operations forces, casualties are likely. Reports from the Washington Post indicate that the Pentagon has provided President Trump with a plan to extract the material, which is believed to be buried under rubble at sites previously bombed by the U.S. near Isfahan and Natanz. The plan would involve flying in heavy excavation equipment and constructing a temporary runway for cargo planes to transport the radioactive canisters out of the country. Additional ground options are reportedly being weighed, including raids on Kharg Island and other small bases along Iran's southern coast. Retired General Frank McKenzie noted that the U.S. has maintained contingency plans for such raids for several years. Currently, about 3,500 Marines and sailors from the USS Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group have arrived in the region, with another 3,500 expected in the coming weeks. War Secretary Pete Hegseth has declined to confirm whether U.S. forces will target the Isfahan nuclear complex, citing operational security.

Context

The current tension is part of 'Operation Epic Fury,' a conflict that began on February 28, 2026, following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. The war has had significant global economic repercussions, with Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz and driving Brent crude prices from approximately $73 to over $100 per barrel. The disputed stockpile consists of roughly 450 kg of 60%-enriched uranium. While not yet weapons-grade, this material could be rapidly converted into multiple nuclear weapons if further enriched. This strategic asset is a primary objective for U.S. planners seeking to neutralize Iran's nuclear potential. Public sentiment in the U.S. has shifted as the war passes the one-month mark. A recent Reuters/Ipsos survey indicates that two-thirds of Americans now favor a quick end to the conflict, even if the primary U.S. objectives are not fully achieved.

What's Next

The immediate focus turns to Wednesday's expiration of the two-week ceasefire. President Trump has indicated that an extension is 'very unlikely,' raising the probability of a return to active combat. However, diplomatic efforts continue as Vice President JD Vance and senior White House officials depart for Pakistan on Tuesday for a new round of peace talks. Strategically, the U.S. continues to build military capacity in the region. The Pentagon is adding 18 A-10 Warthog attack planes to the current fleet of 12 deployed in the Middle East to provide close air support for potential ground incursions. Whether the administration opts for a high-risk extraction mission or continues with a strategy of economic pressure and targeted strikes remains uncertain. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has stated that the briefing on the uranium seizure does not signify a final decision by the President.