Trump Administration Considers Delta Force Raids to Seize Iranian Nuclear Assets Amid Operation Epic Fury

White House officials weigh special operations to seize Iranian nuclear material as Operation Epic Fury shifts focus toward Isfahan and Fordow facilities.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 7, 2026, 4:16 PM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Semafor

Special Operations Units Prepare for Nuclear Interdiction

The White House is currently weighing the deployment of elite Special Operations units into Iran to physically seize and dismantle key nuclear facilities. According to military experts and sources familiar with the administration’s planning, units such as the Army’s Delta Force have maintained a long-standing proficiency in counter-WMD missions. These operations, often referred to as "loose nukes" protocols, involve the extraction of fissile material, centrifuges, and other sensitive hardware. Jonathan Hackett, a former special operations specialist, noted that while these units have rarely executed such missions in the past, they remain highly proficient in the tactical requirements necessary to neutralize a nuclear threat on the ground.

Strategic Focus Shifts to Hardened Underground Facilities

While initial phases of the current conflict have prioritized the destruction of the Iranian Navy and ballistic missile production, the administration is now turning its attention toward deeply buried nuclear assets. The Isfahan facility, which is believed to house enough uranium for ten atomic weapons within mountain tunnels, has emerged as a primary concern for US Central Command and Israeli allies. Intelligence reports from the Institute for Science and International Security indicate that Iran is actively attempting to fortify these locations by burying tunnel entrances with soil. This defensive posture suggests that Tehran is preparing for a significant breach attempt by Western forces.

Evolution of Ground Raid Contingency Planning

The concept of a ground assault on Iranian nuclear sites is not entirely new, though it was previously viewed with extreme skepticism. During the Obama administration, Israeli officials reportedly proposed a plan involving commandos at sites like Fordow and Qom, a strategy that White House officials at the time dismissed as "crazy." However, under more recent leadership, US Central Command has formalized plans for temporary occupations of specific locations. These contingency plans address critical questions regarding the permissibility of the environment, logistical requirements for material removal, and the time needed to effectively destroy enriched uranium or plutonium stockpiles.