US Confronts Iran Nuclear Stockpile Removal Challenge

Iran's HEU, estimated by U.N. inspectors at nearly 1,000 pounds of 60% enriched uranium, is stored in deep, fortified tunnels at facilities like Isfahan and Pickaxe Mountain, making military strikes difficult. International inspectors have not verified Iran's stockpile since last June, following U.S. and Israeli strikes on nuclear sites.

President Trump insists the U.S. will secure the HEU, either through force or a deal, despite Iran's denial of any agreement to surrender its "nuclear dust." The 1994 Project Sapphire successfully removed 1,300 pounds of bomb-grade uranium from Kazakhstan via covert diplomacy and military logistics, as recounted by Andrew Weber. However, experts like Andrew Weber, Matthew Bunn, and Scott Roecker emphasize that a similar operation in Iran would require thousands of U.S. troops, extensive security, and crucially, Iranian cooperation, which has historically been absent due to Iran's 20-year history of lying about its nuclear program.

Retired Vice Admiral Robert Harward confirms the military capability for such an operation but warns of high risks, potential casualties, and threats from Iran's drones and missiles. Matthew Bunn expresses pessimism about a lasting solution given the deep distrust and limited realistic tools available.