The article explores the possibility that the U.S. military might consider a bold action involving the seizure of Iran’s enriched uranium reserves amid stalled negotiations. This approach is framed as a potential way to pressure Iran back to diplomatic talks. The discussion references a precedent from 1994, when the U.S. executed Project Sapphire, a covert mission that successfully removed about 600 kilograms of enriched uranium from Kazakhstan. This historical example is used to shed light on the feasibility and risks of similar operations today.
The report by Christian Fraser and Mikey Kay analyzes the strategic and geopolitical implications of such an intervention. It highlights the challenges and dangers inherent in attempting to seize nuclear materials, including the possibility of escalating tensions internationally. The article provides a detailed examination of how lessons from past operations might inform current U.S. military options regarding Iran’s nuclear program.