In the corridors of power in the US, invisible processes to the general public have been brewing in recent weeks. As it became known, the American leadership was developing a detailed plan for a ground operation in Iran with the aim of seizing stocks of highly enriched uranium. However, despite the military's readiness, President Donald Trump personally halted the preparation of this risky mission.
Urgent call for General Kane
Events unfolded rapidly. According to sources, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Kane, had to interrupt his participation in a meeting of senior NATO officials in Brussels. He urgently returned to Washington to personally listen to a briefing on military plans. The essence of the proposal was to forcibly seize strategically important material from the Iranian regime.
After returning, General Kane presented President Trump with various options for conducting such a special operation. However, as reporters report, the American leader decided to put the plan on hold.
Risks and skepticism
The reasons for refusing a military action were on the surface. Trump received warnings that such actions with a high degree of probability would provoke a harsh response from Iran. This could lead to a protracted war and further destabilization of the world economy. The president was particularly concerned about forecasts of significant losses among American soldiers.
Military experts assessed the risks for the US Army as "high or extreme." Trump himself was skeptical of the idea, noting that it was practically impossible to physically reach the uranium hidden under the mountains. Extracting material from underground tunnels in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan would require the involvement of hundreds of special forces soldiers and a de facto full-scale invasion.
Tehran's economic response
Operation planning took place against the backdrop of tense negotiations. Iran, in turn, was preparing a serious economic response in case of the failure of diplomacy and the continuation of the conflict. In Tehran, they considered a scenario in which Yemeni Houthis could close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This is a key maritime artery of world trade, which was used as an alternative route against the backdrop of instability in the Strait of Hormuz.
Diplomatic breakthrough
The refusal of a military operation coincided with Trump's statements that the US and Iran are approaching an agreement. The President expressed optimism about the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the completion of negotiations on the nuclear program. According to him, agreements could be signed as early as the upcoming weekend, June 13-14, in Europe.
Diplomatic efforts are also confirmed by allies. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted that the text of the peace deal has already been agreed upon. Thus, Washington chose the path of negotiations, avoiding a potential military clash that could have global consequences.