Trump states US will recover Iran's uraniumrecover Iran's uranium from bombed sites
US President Donald Trump announced on April 17, 2026, that the United States will retrieve uranium, referred to as 'nuclear dust,' from Iran's nuclear facilities bombed by the US and Israel last year. He made the comments during speeches and interviews, asserting the material will be brought back to the US soon. This follows failed negotiations with Iran over uranium enrichment.
The plan raises questions about feasibility, as experts say securing the deeply buried, highly enriched uranium near Isfahan and Natanz would require a complex military operation with troops, excavation equipment, and a makeshift runway. Such a mission carries high risks of casualties amid potential Iranian resistance. It underscores ongoing tensions in US-Iran nuclear standoff after recent airstrikes.
US Perspective
President Trump emphasized that Iran will not possess a nuclear weapon and the US will take back the enriched uranium stockpiles either through agreement or force. He expressed optimism about a peace deal with no sticking points remaining. Military options have been presented, though execution would demand specialized forces and significant logistics.
Iranian Perspective
Iran alleges a recent US rescue operation for a downed F-15 airman was a cover to steal enriched uranium from its territory. Officials called the mission a deception similar to past failed US attempts and claimed it was foiled with US aircraft hit. They question the operation's true purpose given inconsistencies in locations.
- Isfahan's Uranium Conversion Facility processes yellowcake into uranium hexafluoride gas for centrifuges.
- Natanz's underground halls once housed over 19,000 centrifuges for uranium enrichment.
- Fordow, buried 80-90 meters deep, was built secretly inside a mountain near Qom.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
