BREAKING: Trump Warns U.S. Will Obtain Iran’s Enriched Uranium “Through Cooperation or by Another Way” as Nuclear Impasse Deepens

President escalates rhetoric on retrieving “nuclear dust” while Iran continues to reject any transfer abroad; statement comes amid Chinese custody offer, Pakistan mediation, and persistent Strait of Hormuz uncertainties

By Reflecto News Staff
April 18, 2026

President Donald Trump has issued a firm warning that the United States will secure Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium “either through cooperation or by another way.”

In remarks that underscore the high stakes in the nuclear component of U.S.-Iran negotiations, Trump reiterated his determination to remove or neutralize what he frequently calls Iran’s “nuclear dust” — the country’s highly enriched uranium stockpile. He has previously described U.S. and Iranian teams potentially working together to “dig up” buried material from struck nuclear sites, while also suggesting forceful alternatives if cooperation is not forthcoming.

Iran has repeatedly and categorically rejected any transfer of its enriched uranium abroad, with officials stating the material “is not going to be transferred anywhere” and describing it as “sacred” to Iran. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has also warned that the Strait of Hormuz “will not remain open” if the U.S. maintains its naval blockade on Iranian ports.

China’s Third-Party Offer Gains Attention

Beijing has proposed a potential compromise by offering to take custody of or down-blend Iran’s approximately 970 pounds of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium as a neutral third-party solution. This could provide a face-saving path that avoids direct handover to the United States while still addressing Washington’s core demand to prevent Iran from maintaining weapons-grade material.

Pakistan continues its intensive mediation role, declaring it is “willing to go to all lengths” to help forge a permanent peace agreement.

Trump Decouples Iran from Lebanon Developments

In related comments, Trump explicitly stated that any deal with Iran is “not tied” to the situation in Lebanon. He promised reconstruction and prosperity for the country, declaring “We will make Lebanon great again,” while maintaining the 10-day ceasefire he helped enforce by publicly prohibiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from further bombing operations there.

A recent Channel 12 poll in Israel showed 56% of Israelis do not want Netanyahu to continue as Prime Minister, reflecting domestic political pressure.

Military and Regional Situation

The arrival of the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, in the Middle East has significantly bolstered U.S. naval and air capabilities near the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has maintained that the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports will remain in place until a comprehensive deal is finalized, despite Iran declaring the strait open to commercial traffic during the current fragile ceasefire.

Kuwait continues its overnight stay-home advisory as a precautionary measure amid fears of potential Iranian retaliation against Gulf civilian infrastructure.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described Iranian actions in the Strait of Hormuz as “terrorist activity” by a state sponsor of terrorism. The White House has categorically denied any consideration of nuclear weapons.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s assessments of Iranian capabilities have faced ongoing internal scrutiny, while Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) has expressed hope that threats against civilian infrastructure are only negotiating “bluster.”

Belarus Leader’s Critique

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko earlier claimed that Trump had shown the world the United States is “not that powerful,” warning that if America “couldn’t handle Iran,” it should not confront China.

Implications

Trump’s latest statement on obtaining Iran’s uranium “by another way” if necessary adds urgency to indirect talks facilitated by Pakistan and potentially aided by China’s offer. While modest progress has been reported, deep disagreements persist over sanctions relief, verification mechanisms, the blockade, and the nuclear file.

Any sustained reopening or stabilization of the Strait of Hormuz would ease global energy market pressures, but renewed threats of closure could trigger sharp economic consequences worldwide.

Reflecto News will continue providing real-time, balanced coverage as diplomatic efforts, military posturing, and regional ceasefires evolve.

FAQs on Trump’s Uranium Statement, Iran Negotiations, and Regional Tensions

Q: What did President Trump say about Iran’s enriched uranium?
A: Trump stated that the U.S. will get Iran’s enriched uranium “either through cooperation or by another way,” signaling determination to remove or neutralize the stockpile regardless of the method.

Q: How has Iran responded to uranium-related claims?
A: Iranian officials have rejected any transfer of enriched uranium abroad, calling it “never an option” and describing the material as sacred to Iran.

Q: What is China’s proposal?
A: China has offered to take custody of or down-blend Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile as a neutral third-party compromise.

Q: What is the status of the Strait of Hormuz?
A: Iran has declared it open to commercial vessels during the ceasefire, but Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf warned it will not remain open if the U.S. continues its blockade. Actual traffic remains limited.

Q: Has Trump linked the Iran deal to Lebanon?
A: No. Trump stated the Iran deal is “not tied” to Lebanon and promised “We will make Lebanon great again” while enforcing a ceasefire there.

Q: What military assets has the U.S. deployed?
A: The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, has arrived in the Middle East to strengthen naval presence.

Q: How can I stay updated?
A: Follow Reflecto News for accurate, timely coverage of the US-Iran negotiations, the Strait of Hormuz situation, international mediation efforts, and related global impacts.

This article is based on verified statements from President Trump, Iranian officials, Chinese diplomatic sources, and reporting from multiple credible outlets as of April 18, 2026. All quotes are accurately attributed.