Two informed U.S. sources revealed that President Donald Trump has not yet decided to send U.S. troops to Iran to seize nuclear materials, a move described as high-risk. The sources told CBS News that Trump said in private talks, "I have many decisions to make," as the Pentagon prepared several options for the president on the next steps in the war with Iran. Following last summer's U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, the International Atomic Energy Agency announced it could not determine the fate of about 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium. According to the sources, Trump believes Iran's military capabilities have been severely damaged, especially the navy and air force, but he expressed concern over Tehran's ability to lay sea mines that could disrupt navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump told reporters on Tuesday that it is unclear whether Iran has actually begun laying mines, adding, "We don't even know if there are mines, but if they are, we'd like to get some help finding them." The sources also indicated that the U.S. administration is facing difficulties in determining who currently holds top leadership in Iran, with Trump describing the situation as "closer to chaos." Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated that the option of recovering nuclear materials "is on the table," but she declined to comment further. In contrast, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed doubt about the possibility of destroying Iran's nuclear program militarily, noting it is "extensive and spread across several facilities" in the country. He added that it is in the interest of all parties to resume the diplomatic track after fighting ends to address concerns related to the nuclear program. Additionally, satellite imagery showed that Iran has filled in tunnel entrances at one of its nuclear sites, which could complicate any potential military operation to access nuclear materials. Threats related to the Strait of Hormuz also persist, with a British maritime authority reporting receiving reports of about 15 attacks since operations began using "unknown projectiles," while oil tankers face risks from missiles, drones, and sea mines.
