The U.S. may soon launch an operation to seize Iran’s uranium, according to media reports
17 May 00:16
The United States and Israel are currently engaged in intensive preparations for a possible resumption of military operations against Iran as early as next week, The New York Times (NYT) reported, citing informed sources in the Middle East, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
“The Pentagon is preparing for the possibility of resuming Operation ‘Epic Rage’ in the coming days, which was suspended after President ( Donald Trump – Ed.) announced a ceasefire last month, albeit under a new name,” the article states.
According to sources, among the options being considered is the deployment of U.S. special forces to Iran to search for nuclear materials hidden underground—specifically, at a facility in Isfahan.
“About 5,000 Marines and roughly 2,000 paratroopers from the Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division are in the region awaiting instructions,” the NYT writes.
At a briefing at the Pentagon on May 5, General Dan Kane, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that more than 50,000 service members, two aircraft carriers, more than a dozen Navy destroyers, and numerous combat aircraft “remain ready to resume major combat operations” against Iran if ordered to do so.
NYT: U.S. Considering Options to Seize Kharg Island and “More Aggressive Bombing”
U.S. military units could also be deployed to capture Khark Island—Iran’s main oil hub.
“Although holding it would require more ground troops,” officials noted in comments to the NYT.
At the same time, military officials acknowledged that this option carries a high risk of casualties.
Another possible scenario, should the White House decide to break the “negotiation deadlock” with Tehran, is “more aggressive bombing” of Iranian military and infrastructure targets, sources within the U.S. administration told the newspaper.
Earlier this week, The New York Times reported that Iran had restored operational access to 30 of the 33 missile bases located along the Strait of Hormuz, which could threaten U.S. military ships and oil tankers.
Iran confirmed talks with Russia on transferring uranium to it
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed yesterday that Tehran had held preliminary consultations with Moscow regarding the possible transfer of enriched uranium stocks to the Russian side. According to him, Iran highly appreciated Russia’s willingness to cooperate, but this issue will ultimately be resolved only at a later stage of negotiations with the U.S. regarding the Iranian nuclear program, reports the Arab television channel Al Jazeera.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin announced Moscow’s readiness to accept Iranian uranium as early as May 9. Russia had already resorted to a similar scheme under the 2015 nuclear deal, from which the Donald Trump administration unilaterally withdrew during his first term in office.
Meanwhile, the Iranian news agency Tasnim, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), dismissed as false reports in the Western press that Tehran had already agreed in principle to the export of uranium. The American newspaper The Wall Street Journal, citing informed sources, reported that Iran was prepared to transfer part of its stockpile to a third country on the condition that it be returned in the event of a breakdown in negotiations with the U.S.
U.S. Conditions for Tehran on Uranium
Earlier, Washington presented Tehran with a detailed 14-point settlement plan, which included Iran’s complete renunciation of nuclear weapons, a 12-year freeze on uranium enrichment, and the transfer of approximately 440 kg of uranium enriched to 60 percent. In return, the U.S. is prepared to gradually lift sanctions and unblock Iranian assets. Trump called Iran’s response to these conditions “completely unacceptable.”
The U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran began on February 28. The ceasefire, reached in April with Pakistan’s mediation, is regularly violated by both sides. Since April 13, the U.S. Navy has been blockading ports in Iran, while Iranian drones are constantly attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz and targets in the Persian Gulf countries.
