Iran Firmly Rejects Trump's Uranium Transfer Assertion
Iran has categorically dismissed recent claims by former US President Donald Trump regarding the transfer of its enriched uranium stockpile. On Friday, the Iranian foreign ministry explicitly stated that the uranium "is not going to be transferred anywhere," directly contradicting Trump's assertions.
Official Statement from Iranian Spokesperson
Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei addressed the matter on state television, declaring, "Iran's enriched uranium is not going to be transferred anywhere." He emphasized that "transfer of Iran's enriched uranium to the US has never been raised in negotiations" between the two nations.
This response comes after Trump posted on Truth Social that "The USA will get all Nuclear 'Dust,' created by our great B2 Bombers," referring to enriched uranium allegedly buried during past US military strikes. Trump had also previously told Reuters that the US could enter Iran at a "leisurely pace" to recover this material.
Shift in Negotiation Focus
Baqaei clarified that recent discussions with Washington have centered on ending the ongoing conflict rather than uranium recovery. "The previous negotiations focused on the nuclear issue, but now the negotiations are focused on ending the war, and naturally the range of topics discussed has become wider and more diverse," he explained.
The Iranian spokesperson highlighted Tehran's priorities in current talks, noting, "The 10-point plan for lifting sanctions is very important to us. The issue of compensation for the damages incurred during the imposed war is of particular importance."
Background and Context
These developments follow a report by US news outlet Axios suggesting that the US and Iran were discussing a proposal where Washington could release $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds in exchange for Tehran relinquishing its enriched uranium stockpile.
Before US strikes in June 2025, the International Atomic Energy Agency estimated that Iran possessed approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity. This level far exceeds the 3.67% limit established under the 2015 nuclear agreement.
Since those military strikes, the status of Iran's uranium stockpile has remained uncertain, with Tehran denying international inspectors access to affected sites. Iran maintains that it does not seek nuclear weapons and asserts its right to pursue a civilian nuclear program as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Additional Criticisms from Tehran
Baqaei also criticized recent US statements concerning the Strait of Hormuz, describing them as inconsistent. "We should not be influenced by the other side's tweets," he stated. "The statements by American officials are filled with contradictions and lies, and this is nothing new. The opening or closing of the Strait of Hormuz does not happen on social media, but on the ground."
The Iranian foreign ministry's firm rejection of Trump's claims underscores the ongoing tensions in US-Iran relations while highlighting Tehran's current diplomatic focus on conflict resolution rather than nuclear material negotiations.
