TheUnited Statesand Israel are reportedly discussing the deployment of special forces into Iran to secure its stockpile of highly enriched uranium (HEU), according to reports from Axios and Semafor.

This potential ground operation follows the start of a major conflict on February 28, codenamed Operation Epic Fury by the US and Operation Roaring Lion by Israel.

According to four sources with knowledge of thediscussionscited by Axios, such an operation would be considered at a later stage of the ongoing war. The move highlights the critical focus on Iranian nuclear assets as hostilities continue to escalate.

ALSO READ | US-Israel-Iran War Live UpdatesHERE

Reinforcing this strategic objective, United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has issued a new threat via social media, warning of lethal consequences for any entities that target American citizens. The warning, shared in a post by United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on X, underlined the administration’s uncompromising stance on national security. “If you kill Americans, if you threaten Americans anywhere on earth, we will hunt you down without apology and without hesitation, and we will kill you," US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was quoted as saying.

“If you kill Americans, if you threaten Americans anywhere on earth, we will hunt you down without apology and without hesitation and we will kill you." – Secretary of War Pete Hegsethpic.twitter.com/l0jkXxI74y— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM)March 8, 2026

Accompanying this stern message, a 21-second video clip was released, providing a visual demonstration of the military’s current reach. The footage showcased a series of “unclassified" images of vehicles and structures being bombed and destroyed by US forces during recent operations.

Hegseth’s remarks align with recent claims made by US President Donald Trump, who asserted on Saturday that the United States has successfully neutralised the entire Iranian leadership. The President characterised these military operations as the removal of a significant “cancer" from the global stage.

Reflecting on the week-old hostilities while travelling to Miami aboard Air Force One, the President maintained a confident outlook on the progress of the campaign. “We’re winning the war by a lot. We’ve decimated their whole evil empire. It’ll continue, I’m sure, for a little while. The war itself is going unbelievably. It’s as good as it can be," Trump asserted.

Speaking alongside the President, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff indicated that a diplomatic breakthrough remained a possibility, though the decision ultimately rests with the White House.

Source: World News in news18.com, World Latest News, World News