Washington: Special Operations Forces are being considered for a mission in Iran to seize the regime's stockpile of enriched uranium, but the proposal is fraught with challenges.

According to EMM, the idea of deploying these elite forces to achieve this objective has been suggested as a way to avoid a prolonged military engagement. However, the feasibility and risks of such an operation are significant.

Iran's nuclear facilities, such as Fordow and Natanz, present formidable obstacles. These installations are large and heavily fortified, requiring more than a small team of elite operators. A substantial force, potentially company-sized or larger, would be necessary for the initial assault. Additionally, a large blocking force would be needed to secure the site and counter any attacks, possibly involving up to a battalion's worth of personnel. The complexity of the operation would be increased by the need for specialized troops and equipment, posing significant logistical challenges.

The timing of the operation is another critical issue. A raid implies speed and precision, but securing and exploiting each site would take longer under hostile conditions. The risk of the operation devolving into a prolonged battle, with American forces under missile and drone attacks, is high. The US has limited experience in defending mobile troops from such threats, making this a risky venture.

Logistics pose another significant challenge. Extracting the seized uranium, which weighs approximately 970 pounds, from deep within Iranian territory would be a complex task. Moreover, the operation might need to be repeated multiple times as the Iranian regime has dispersed its stockpile.

Special Operations Forces are often used as a multitool by policymakers, but their proposed use in Iran highlights the limitations of this approach. The plan to seize Iran's enriched uranium stockpile is closer to a fantasy than a feasible military strategy.