Overview

A report from CNN, cited by the Jerusalem Post, reveals that the United States was in an advanced stage of planning a ground mission into Iran to recover enriched uranium, but President Donald Trump paused the operation. The report, published on Friday, cites two sources familiar with the matter who said that US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine briefed Trump on the mission. Trump decided against proceeding after warnings that the operation could lead to significant US losses.

Coverage comparison

Both articles from the Jerusalem Post draw on CNN's reporting. The first article, published on June 13, focuses on the paused ground mission, detailing that Caine rushed from a NATO meeting in Brussels to Tampa, Florida, on May 19 to brief Trump, indicating the mission was close to approval. The report also notes that a potential escalation of hostilities between the US and Iran, and increased pressure on the global economy, influenced Trump's decision. One source told CNN the mission involved "lots of risk," including potential severe retaliation.

The second article, published later the same day, adds that Iran has escalated efforts to seal off its stockpile of enriched uranium, collapsing tunnels and placing explosive mines at entrances in recent weeks, citing five sources familiar with US intelligence. It also reports on the emerging US-Iran deal, with a senior administration official telling reporters that the countries are close to an agreement requiring Iran to relinquish its uranium.

Key claims

  • US planned ground mission: According to CNN, the US was in an advanced stage of planning a ground mission into Iran to recover enriched uranium. The report cites two sources familiar with the matter. Gen. Dan Caine briefed Trump on the mission, and Trump paused it due to warnings of significant US losses.
  • Iran's fortification efforts: A CNN report, citing five sources familiar with US intelligence, says Iran has escalated efforts to seal off its enriched uranium stockpile, collapsing tunnels and placing explosive mines at entrances in recent weeks. This claim is single-sourced and has medium confidence.
  • Emerging US-Iran deal: Reuters reported that the emerging deal will include the dismantling of the Iranian nuclear program and allow the US to collect enriched uranium. A senior US official told Reuters the deal also includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting a US blockade on Iranian ports. Iran committed to never develop a nuclear weapon under the deal, according to the official.
  • Gallant's statement: Former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant said that the US and Israel could and should have combined forces to retrieve the uranium during the war. In an interview with 103FM, Gallant said, "We should have gone and brought the enriched uranium by force in a military operation during the campaign."

Perspectives

  • US official perspective: The deal is described as a significant step toward dismantling Iran's nuclear program, with Iran committed to never developing a nuclear weapon.
  • Israeli perspective: Yoav Gallant's remark suggests a missed opportunity for a military operation to retrieve the uranium, reflecting a hawkish view on Iran's nuclear program.
  • Expert concern: Scott Roecker, former head of the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Nuclear Material Removal, expressed concern over heightened fortifications, noting it could complicate verification and removal.

Context

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on social media that the deal's text had been agreed upon by both the US and Iran. However, details of how the uranium will be extracted remain unclear. President Trump has stated that retrieving the uranium is a priority, and he has claimed that only the US and possibly China have the capability to do so.