Megyn Kelly slams Trump over Iran's uranium extraction plan: 'When did that become the goal?'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Political commentator Megyn Kelly criticized the Trump administration over reports of a potential military operation in Iran to extract uranium, speaking on 'The Megyn Kelly Show' on Tuesday, March 31, as tensions escalate between the two countries.

The developments come after the collapse of negotiations over Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme, followed by a joint US-Israel military operation launched on February 28. The situation continues to evolve amid increased US troop deployments in the region.

Megyn Kelly questions Trump’s Uranium strategy and military signals

On her show, Kelly stated, “I’m not a military expert. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that President Trump is considering an operation to extract the nearly 1,000 pounds of uranium believed to be in Iran.”

She noted that the report indicates Trump has not yet made a final decision, but if approved, the mission would be among the most complex and dangerous operations ever attempted by the US military.

Referring to Trump’s Truth Social activity, Kelly said he encouraged viewers to watch conservative news analyst Mark Levin, describing him as his “new best friend.” She then referred to a statement made by Levin in support of the operation to extract uranium.

Levin said, "But why would we need troops on the ground? Well, there's a lot of reasons. And we wouldn't need 300,000 of them. It's this uranium, too. We've got to get the uranium. If it cannot be destroyed, if it cannot be altered, we got to get it for the reason I just said."

Kelly responded critically, stating, “So, if it’s not hundreds of thousands, then it kind of doesn’t count.” She questioned the shifting objective, saying, “Now we need to get the uranium. It’s a new goal. We’re four weeks into this war.”

She further remarked on earlier claims that Iran’s nuclear capabilities had been “destroyed” or “obliterated,” contrasting them with current reports of significant uranium reserves located deep within Iranian mountains requiring specialized extraction efforts.

Kelly questioned, saying, "When did that become the goal?" and added that the narrative had shifted toward a “daring, exciting mission,” suggesting an attempt to build public momentum despite risks to US troops. She stated that it “does sound like Mr Trump may be leaning toward doing some sort of ground operation.”

Reports detail risks and complexity of proposed Iran operation

Reports indicate that Trump is considering deploying US troops on the ground in Iran to remove highly enriched uranium, a mission described as complex and dangerous that could take several days.

The operation would likely involve elite special operations teams tasked with extracting radioactive material from deeply buried facilities, placing US personnel at risk from Iran’s short-range missiles and drones and potentially prolonging the conflict.

According to experts, the mission would require US forces to secure perimeters at nuclear sites before specialists remove materials located underground at facilities such as Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, which were previously targeted by bunker-buster bombs in joint US-Israeli strikes. The extracted material would then be transferred to secure locations while under potential military fire.

Retired US Army Colonel Seth Krummrich stated, “It’s not going to be like swinging by a warehouse… This is going to be something of extreme complexity, and that will take a significant amount of time.” Intelligence officials have indicated that Iran possesses at least 440 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium, enough for up to 10 nuclear weapons, according to CIA Director John Ratcliffe.

Ratcliffe also stated that since the strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, Iran has not enriched additional uranium to that level, though US intelligence believes Iran has not abandoned its nuclear ambitions. The material is primarily located in Isfahan, with some in Natanz, according to International Atomic Energy Agency Director Rafael Grossi, who said the uranium has likely not been moved.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard added that the intelligence community has “high confidence” in identifying the locations of Iran’s enriched uranium.