Nikki Haley has called on Donald Trump to deploy U.S. special forces to seize Iran's uranium stockpile.
'A Game of Chicken': Ex-U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley Urges Trump to Send Special Forces Into Iran
April 13 2026, Published 4:41 p.m. ET
The failed U.S.-Iran peace talks have prompted a strong reaction from former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.
She called on President Donald Trump to deploy U.S. special forces to seize Iran's uranium stockpile, claiming that the move would eliminate Tehran's ambitions to develop nuclear weapons amid stalled peace talks.
Haley, a former Republican presidential candidate, described the ongoing conflict as a test of political will, with Iran seeking to apply economic and political pressure on Trump and U.S. Gulf allies.
'They’re Getting Desperate'
Appearing as a guest on CNN’s State of the Union, Haley shared her opinion on the current situation of Operation Epic Fury.
She stated that Iran's strategy is to apply "as much political and economic pressure on Trump and the Gulf allies as they can," in hopes that the U.S. will yield first.
Haley called the ongoing situation “a game of chicken,” adding that the outcome will depend on which side yields first. According to her, the Iranian regime strongly wishes for President Trump to succumb to the pressure.
Nikki Haley shares her views on the Iran war during CNN’s State of the Union.
However, she said that Trump had demonstrated he would not capitulate to the Iranian regime, pointing to military strikes in March that targeted Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and other senior figures.
Haley added, “They’re getting desperate. They think they have leverage with the Strait, and they do.”
She warned that without further action, Iran would gain both leverage and additional revenue to purchase ammunition, ballistic missiles and continue nuclear production.
"This is something that not just the U.S. should do. The region needs to take in making sure that the Strait is open," Haley said.
When asked by the interviewer whether she was advocating for a U.S. troop presence in the region, Haley said the priority is to continue weakening the Iranian regime without becoming engaged in an open-ended conflict.
Nikki Haley Wants U.S. Special Forces to Further Weaken the Iranian Regime
As part of the same interview with CNN’s State of the Union, Haley stated that Trump does not want “Iran to have a nuclear weapon” and that neighboring countries in the region are unified around that objective.
To advance that goal, Haley suggested a targeted military operation involving U.S. special forces could be carried out within one to 10 days. "They know how to do it. It's dangerous," she said.
Haley acknowledged that the operation would not be straightforward but said that it would be critical in degrading Iran's military capabilities. "They're taking away literally one arm of the Iranian regime to where they no longer can threaten any of our allies," she said.
She stated that it will not be as straightforward as she says. This operation would be critical in weakening Iran’s capabilities. Halley added, “They’re taking away literally one arm of the Iranian regime to where they no longer can threaten any of our allies.”
Tensions in the region remain elevated as the possibility of further U.S. military action continues to be debated.