Meet SOCOM, the special US forces that may enter Iran to take care of 'loose nukes'
U.S. President
Donald Trump
is expected to decide within two weeks whether to launch military action against
Iran
, according to reports.
"Based on the fact that there is a substantial chance of negotiations with Iran in the near future — which may or may not materialize — I will make my decision on whether or not to go forward within the next two weeks," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday, quoting Trump.
According to
The War Zone
(TWZ), U.S. ground operations could be initiated if Iran attempts to disperse components of its nuclear program or if the Iranian government collapses, potentially leaving behind unsecured nuclear material — or so-called "loose nukes."
To address such high-stakes contingencies, the United States reportedly relies on a specialized force: the U.S. Special Operations Command (
SOCOM
), formed in 2016 to deal with unconventional threats, including those involving weapons of mass destruction.
Notably, earlier Leavitt warned that Iran is just "a couple of weeks" away from being able to produce an atomic bomb.
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Currently, Iran is believed to be enriching uranium to 60% — well above the 3.67% limit set by the 2015 nuclear deal, although still below the 90% threshold required for weapons-grade material. Meanwhile, Iran's powerful Guardian Council has threatened a 'harsh response' if "the criminal American government and its stupid president" take any action against the Islamic Republic.
What is SOCOM?
According to the U.S. government, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM or SOCOM) "oversees the special operations capabilities of the various military branches, coordinates their training, strategy, interoperability, and operations."
It is also the lead agency for Counter-Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) missions.
SOCOM has emerged as the U.S.'s primary counterterrorism force over the last two decades. Even prior to the 9/11 attacks, the command was active in tracking and confronting violent extremist groups globally. It has conducted operations against narco-trafficking cartels in Central and South America, transnational criminal networks in the Balkans, the Taliban and al-Qaida in Afghanistan, as well as ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
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