Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Apr 18: Iran has firmly rejected claims by the United States that it had agreed to hand over its enriched uranium, underscoring a major sticking point in ongoing negotiations between the two countries.
Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said on Friday that Iran would not transfer its nuclear material under any circumstances.
“Iran’s enriched uranium is not going to be transferred anywhere,” he said on state television, drawing a clear red line even as diplomatic efforts continue.
The statement came hours after US President Donald Trump claimed that Washington would take control of Iran’s remaining nuclear material.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States would retrieve what he described as nuclear “dust” created by B2 bomber strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last year.
He later told Reuters that the US would work with Iran to recover enriched uranium using heavy machinery and transport it back to the United States, adding that the process would begin soon. He also ruled out any financial transaction in the arrangement.
The fate of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, estimated at over 900 pounds enriched up to 60 per cent, remains a key point of contention. While Washington views the issue as central to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, Tehran has consistently maintained that its nuclear programme is for peaceful civilian use.
Baqaei’s remarks indicate that Iran is unlikely to concede control over its nuclear material, even as both sides express cautious optimism about reaching a broader agreement.
Trump said talks were progressing well and could resume over the weekend, adding that a deal could be finalised quickly. However, he also confirmed that a US naval blockade targeting Iranian shipping would remain in place until an agreement is reached.
Iran has warned of reciprocal measures if the blockade continues.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz has been opened to commercial shipping during a 10-day ceasefire linked to tensions involving Israel and Hezbollah. However, uncertainty persists, with differing claims about the extent of access and restrictions on Iranian-bound vessels.