Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper warned Monday that any potential U.S. military mission to secure Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium would be "very perilous."

Esper's comments came in response to reports that President Trump has expressed serious interest in deploying a small contingent of U.S. troops inside Iran to secure approximately 900 pounds of nuclear material at a later stage.

The former Pentagon chief did not elaborate on specific risks or operational challenges such a mission would entail, but his characterization suggests significant concerns about the feasibility and safety of military action targeting Iran's nuclear facilities.

Iran has been steadily increasing its uranium enrichment levels since the U.S. withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal in 2018. The Islamic Republic now possesses uranium enriched to levels well above what is permitted under the original agreement.

No official confirmation has been provided by the Trump administration regarding specific military planning or operational considerations related to Iran's nuclear program.