JOHN VANDIVER STARS AND STRIPES
U.S. special operations forces may be needed to secure Iran’s uranium stockpiles, analysts say, as uncertainty over missing nuclear material persists amid American airstrikes on Iranian military targets. Thousands of U.S. and Israeli attacks have destroyed warships, missile launchers, facilities and weaponry. But questions about the fate of canisters containing enriched uranium could trigger action on the ground.
In June, the U.S. carried out bunker-busting attacks on Iran’s nuclear program that were believed to set the program back years. Still, nuclear proliferation experts warn that nearly 1,000 pounds of uranium could be weaponized if centrifuges remain operational. “It would take the mother of all commando raids — plus heavy equipment — to retrieve the canisters,” Barbara Slavin, an expert on Iran with the Stimson Center think tank, wrote in response to a question from Stars and Stripes.
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