As Iran's Supreme Leader has established a policy against exporting enriched uranium, President Donald Trump has firmly rejected this stance. Trump stated that Iran cannot retain enriched uranium in any future agreements, making the issue of nuclear material export a central point of contention in upcoming negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.
On May 21, during a press briefing at the White House, Trump responded to a question regarding whether Iran could keep enriched uranium in future agreements. He said, "No. We will export it."
Trump added, "We neither need nor want that uranium," and indicated that the material would likely be destroyed after export. He emphasized, "We will not allow Iran to keep it in any form," and reiterated, "I will not let Iran have nuclear weapons."
These comments followed a strong statement from Iranian officials. According to Reuters, two senior Iranian sources reported that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, issued a directive prohibiting the export of weapons-grade uranium. Iran believes that exporting enriched uranium could make it more vulnerable to potential attacks from the U.S. and Israel.
The key issue revolves around Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium, particularly the 60% enriched variety. This level of enrichment significantly exceeds that required for civilian nuclear fuel and is close to the 90% enrichment needed for nuclear weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimated that prior to the U.S. and Israel's attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities last year, Iran possessed approximately 441 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium. The current amount remains unclear.
While Iran denies any intention of developing nuclear weapons, the U.S. and Israel view the export of enriched uranium as a critical condition for any future agreements. As Iran maintains its stance against export, and Trump rejects this position, the gap between the two sides has widened.
On the same day, Trump also expressed opposition to tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, stating, "We do not accept tolls; the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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