Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered that the country's near-weapons-grade uranium must remain within Iran, two senior Iranian sources told Reuters. This directive hardens Tehran's stance in peace negotiations with the U.S., which has demanded the removal of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile as a key condition for ending the conflict. President Donald Trump has previously stated that the U.S. would take control of Iran's uranium, suggesting it would be destroyed. The move comes as a significant obstacle to Trump's peace plans, with Israeli officials confirming that the U.S. had assured Israel that Iran's uranium would be removed as part of any deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that the war will not end until Iran's uranium is removed, along with other conditions such as ending support for proxy militias and dismantling ballistic missile capabilities.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
Iran's Supreme Leader has issued a directive to keep enriched uranium within the country, defying U.S. and Israeli demands for its removal. President Trump has reaffirmed the U.S. position that Iran's uranium should be taken under U.S. control and likely destroyed. The order complicates ongoing peace talks and raises tensions in the region.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Iran's Stance on Uranium
The two Iranian sources, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, stated that the Supreme Leader's directive reflects a consensus within Iran's leadership that the uranium stockpile should not leave the country. They cited concerns that exporting the material would leave Iran vulnerable to future attacks by the U.S. and Israel. Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, despite Western accusations that its uranium enrichment to 60%—close to the 90% needed for a weapon—indicates otherwise.
U.S. and Israeli Response
President Trump has emphasized that dismantling Iran's nuclear program is a central objective of the U.S. war. He has threatened to resume military action if Iran does not provide satisfactory answers in negotiations but has expressed willingness to wait a few more days for diplomacy. Israeli officials have confirmed that Trump assured them Iran's uranium would be removed as part of any peace deal. Netanyahu has set clear conditions for ending the war, including the removal of Iran's uranium, an end to support for proxy militias, and the elimination of its ballistic missile capabilities.
Economic and Geopolitical Implications
The Supreme Leader's order has already had economic repercussions, with oil prices jumping over 3% following the announcement. The disruption of ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial trade route for global oil supplies, has further exacerbated market tensions. The International Energy Agency has warned that the oil market could reach a critical point this summer if Hormuz remains blocked.
Ongoing Negotiations and Military Posturing
Despite a fragile ceasefire agreed upon last month, progress toward a deal has been minimal. Trump has indicated that the U.S. is prepared for military action if negotiations fail, while Iran remains firm on its position regarding the uranium stockpile. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the potential for further military escalation add to the complexity of the situation.