Arabic version: إيران ترفض اقتراح الولايات المتحدة لنقل مخزون اليورانيوم المخصب
US President Donald Trump stated that the US will not allow Iran to retain its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Meanwhile, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued a directive prohibiting the transfer of this uranium abroad, according to Al Jazeera.
The ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran are heavily influenced by the estimated 440 kg of uranium enriched to 60 percent that Iran possesses. This level of enrichment, while not weapons-grade, brings Iran closer to the capability of producing nuclear weapons, as experts indicate that it can be quickly elevated to 90 percent.
Trump emphasized the US’s determination to seize this uranium, noting, “We will get it. We don’t need it, we don’t want it. We’ll probably destroy it after we get it.” In contrast, Khamenei’s directive reflects a consensus within Iran’s leadership that the enriched uranium should remain within the country.
Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program is intended for civilian purposes. However, the US’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement and subsequent sanctions have led Iran to enrich uranium beyond the limits set by that deal. The US and Israel claim that Iran is preparing to develop nuclear weapons, intensifying the urgency of the situation.
The possibility of transferring enriched uranium raises significant safety concerns. Uranium hexafluoride gas, the form in which most of Iran’s enriched uranium is stored, is highly dangerous if released. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has established protocols for the safe transport of such materials, utilizing specially designed containers to mitigate risks.
Despite some discussions about potential downblending of the uranium to lower enrichment levels, Iran’s top diplomat indicated that the issue remains at a standstill. The future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile continues to be a critical factor in the ongoing diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran.
