Washington: The United States reportedly considered a military ground operation to seize Iran’s highly enriched uranium but ultimately decided against the plan, according to a CNN report.

CNN reported that US officials came close to launching a ground operation last month aimed at securing Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, a key component of the country's nuclear program. However, President Donald Trump ultimately chose not to proceed with the operation.

According to the report, General Dan Caine, the highest-ranking officer in the US military, made an urgent and classified visit to US Central Command headquarters in Florida, where he received a briefing on potential military options involving the deployment of ground forces into Iran.

Sources told CNN that the matter was considered so urgent that General Caine had to leave a NATO meeting in Brussels and return immediately for consultations. He later presented several operational options to President Trump.

The report said Trump decided against authorizing the mission due to concerns that it could trigger a strong Iranian response, escalate the conflict, and further destabilize the global economy.

The US president was also reportedly concerned about the possibility of significant American military casualties, which contributed to his decision not to give the operation the green light.

The development suggests that the US administration seriously considered one of the most sensitive military options available in dealing with Iran’s nuclear program.

During previous tensions between Washington and Tehran, reports had also emerged suggesting that the United States was exploring ways to secure approximately 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium believed to be under Iranian control. Iran, however, had repeatedly warned of severe consequences in response to any potential ground incursion.

Source: CNN