Iran Suspects US Operation Was Cover for Uranium Theft

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Iranian government suspects the U.S. military operation in its territory as a cover-up for seizing enriched uranium. The allegation arose after a series of clashes related to the U.S. military personnel's rescue mission in Iran.

According to a report by Anadolu, Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmail Baghaei pointed out several anomalies in the operation. He highlighted the disparity in the location between the report of the presence of U.S. pilots in southwestern Iran and the alleged U.S. military operation point in Isfahan, central Iran.

"There were many ambiguities surrounding the operations," Baghaei said. He added, "This raises the possibility that the operation may have been a deceptive plan to steal enriched uranium, which cannot be ignored."

As reported by Middle East Monitor, Baghaei also compared this operation to the failed 1980 U.S. military mission to rescue over 50 American hostages after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

Long-Standing Nuclear Tensions

Enriched uranium has long been a source of tension between Iran and the United States.

Washington suspects Tehran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a charge Iran has repeatedly denied. This issue resurfaces as both countries increase military activities in the Iranian region in recent days.

On April 2, Iran stated that it shot down a US fighter jet in the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province. U.S. officials later confirmed that an F-15E aircraft crashed in the area.

One crew member was rescued, while another was initially declared missing. Iranian media reported that the U.S. military deployed helicopters to the location to evacuate the second crew member. However, at least two helicopters were reportedly targeted by Iranian forces during the operation.

Clashes Extend to Isfahan

The clashes then expanded to the Isfahan Province. The U.S. rescue team attempting to evacuate personnel was also reportedly targeted. Iranian military units claimed to have destroyed several U.S. assets, such as the HC-130 special operations aircraft, Black Hawk helicopter, and several drones.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on Sunday that its troops successfully rescued both aircraft crew members through two separate search and rescue missions.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the aircraft crashed due to a shoulder-fired missile in what he called a "lucky shot" attack. He also stated that the rescue operation was delayed due to concerns that the pilot's radio signal might be a trap from Iran. Around 200 special forces personnel were deployed in the mission.

Read: IAEA Chief Warns: Nuclear Plant and Surroundings Must Not Be Attacked

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