Iran Redlines Nuclear Deal: No Agreement If It Includes Highly Enriched Uranium
Supreme Leader’s directive on keeping stockpile inside country clashes with Trump’s demand for removal, leaving peace talks at an impasse
TEHRAN — Iran declared on Saturday that any agreement with the United States to end the two-and-a-half-month war will not be accepted if it includes provisions requiring the transfer of Tehran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium abroad .
The statement, issued by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, formalizes a red line that has emerged as the single most significant obstacle in ongoing indirect negotiations mediated by Pakistan. It follows a directive from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei instructing that the country’s enriched uranium “should not leave the country,” according to multiple senior Iranian sources .
“The Islamic Republic of Iran will not accept any agreement that requires the transfer of its enriched uranium stockpile outside its borders. This is a matter of national security and sovereignty,” a senior Iranian official told Reuters on condition of anonymity .
“Our position is clear and non-negotiable. The stockpile stays in Iran” .
The Uranium Standoff: What Each Side Demands
| Issue | Iran’s Position | US Position |
|---|---|---|
| Enriched Uranium Stockpile | Must remain inside Iran; will not be transferred abroad | Must be transferred out of Iran and destroyed |
| Enrichment Level | 60% purity (close to weapons-grade) | Far above civilian needs; unacceptable |
| Stockpile Size | Estimated 440 kg of uranium enriched to 60% | Enough material for more than 10 nuclear warheads if further enriched |
| Alternative Proposals | Willing to “downblend” under IAEA supervision | Unacceptable; insists on physical removal |
Iran’s stockpile is currently estimated at approximately 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity — a level just one technical step away from the 90 percent threshold required for weapons-grade material . International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi told Al Jazeera that this amount of enriched uranium, if further refined, is sufficient to produce more than 10 nuclear warheads .
While uranium enriched to 60 percent is not yet weapons-grade, nuclear experts note that it represents the point at which reaching 90 percent becomes significantly quicker . “The amount of effort it takes to enrich uranium is not linear. Going from natural (0.7% U-235) to 20% is much harder and takes much longer than going from 20% to 90% weapons-grade,” nuclear experts have explained .
Khamenei’s Directive: A Hardening of Iran’s Stance
The Supreme Leader’s directive represents a significant hardening of Iran’s negotiating posture. Before the conflict escalated, Iran had shown conditional willingness to export nearly half of its uranium enriched to 60 percent . That position reportedly hardened after repeated US military threats .
The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said there is a “deep suspicion” in Iran that the current pause in hostilities is a “tactical deception” by the United States to “create a sense of security” before renewing attacks . Iranian officials believe that sending the material abroad would leave the country more vulnerable to future military action by the United States or Israel .
One Iranian source indicated that there remain “feasible formulas” to resolve the issue without transferring the stockpile abroad, such as “downblending” — diluting the uranium under IAEA supervision to a lower enrichment level suitable for civilian nuclear energy .
However, the United States has so far rejected this alternative, insisting on physical removal of the material from Iranian territory .
Trump’s Counter-Demand: “We Will Export It”
President Donald Trump has been unequivocal in his opposition to Iran retaining its enriched uranium stockpile. When asked this week whether Iran could keep the material under any future agreement, Trump responded firmly: “No. We will export it” .
Speaking at a White House press briefing on May 21, Trump elaborated: “We will get it. We don’t need it, we don’t want it. We’ll probably destroy it after we get it, but we’re not going to let them have it” .
Trump emphasized that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains the administration’s top priority. “I will not let Iran have nuclear weapons,” he stated .
The President has also reportedly assured Israeli officials that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile will be removed from the country and that any peace agreement will include a clause to that effect .
Netanyahu’s Pressure: “War Is Not Over Until Uranium Is Gone”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that the war cannot be considered over until Iran’s enriched uranium is removed from its custody — a demand that aligns with Washington’s position but now faces direct defiance from Tehran .
Netanyahu has also insisted on additional conditions: that Tehran halt support for its regional proxy armed groups and dismantle its ballistic missile infrastructure . These demands go beyond the uranium issue, further complicating any potential agreement.
Israeli officials have expressed frustration with the pace and direction of the US-led negotiations, with reports indicating that Netanyahu had a “tense phone call” with Trump on May 20 regarding the handling of the talks .
Iran’s Alternative: “Downblending” as a Compromise
Iranian officials have signaled that while they will not transfer the stockpile abroad, they remain open to other confidence-building measures .
One Iranian source suggested that compromise was still possible, including diluting the stockpile under the supervision of the IAEA — a process known as “downblending” that would reduce the enrichment level from 60 percent to the 3.67 percent suitable for civilian nuclear power .
News reports have suggested that on February 26 — two days before the US and Israel launched attacks on Tehran — Iran offered during informal negotiations in Geneva to “downblend” the stockpile from 60 percent to 3.67 percent in an irreversible process . That offer, made before the war began, now appears to be off the table as Tehran’s position has hardened.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told reporters in New Delhi earlier this month that Iran and the US had reached a “deadlock” on the question of Iran’s enriched material . As a result, he said, the topic is being “postponed” until later stages in the talks. “For the time being, it is not under discussion, it’s not under negotiation, but we will come to that subject in later stages” .
The Broader Negotiating Context: What Else Is on the Table?
The uranium impasse is not the only obstacle to a final agreement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged “slight progress” in the talks while cautioning that significant gaps remain .
Key Sticking Points
| Issue | Iran’s Position | US Position |
|---|---|---|
| Strait of Hormuz | Proposes toll system; maintains control | Demands immediate reopening without tolls |
| Naval Blockade | Demands immediate lifting | Insists on maintaining until agreement |
| Sanctions Relief | Phased relief as negotiations proceed | Relief tied to full agreement and compliance |
| Frozen Assets | Estimated $100+ billion; demands full release | Partial release conditional on concessions |
| War Reparations | Demands compensation for US-Israeli strikes | Refuses to pay any compensation |
According to reports, the US has presented a proposal that includes economic funds for damages, waivers on oil sales, gradual unfreezing of assets, and sanctions relief — with the most difficult issues, including nuclear enrichment, postponed to final negotiations .
Iran, meanwhile, has submitted a 14-point proposal that demands an end to US military operations, lifting of the blockade, withdrawal of US forces, release of frozen assets, and lifting of economic sanctions — but notably does not mention abandoning its nuclear program or suspending enrichment .
Pakistan’s Mediation Role Intensifies
Pakistan remains the central mediator in the indirect talks. Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army chief, has traveled to Tehran for discussions with senior Iranian officials — his second such trip in recent weeks .
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also been in Tehran as part of the messaging exchange between Washington and Tehran . Islamabad secured the April 8 ceasefire and hosted the only round of direct talks between the two sides on April 11-12 — the highest-level engagement between the US and Iran since 1979.
However, despite the intense diplomatic activity, Iranian officials caution against interpreting the visits as a sign of imminent agreement. “The current process and the fact that senior Pakistani officials are staying in Tehran do not mean that we have reached a turning point or determining situation,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said .
Economic Stakes: Billions in Losses
The protracted conflict has exacted a heavy economic toll on both sides and on the global economy. Iran is losing approximately $435 million per day in oil revenue, with total losses from the US naval blockade exceeding $17 billion . The United States has incurred over $77 billion in military costs since the war began.
Global oil prices remain elevated, with Brent crude trading above $110 per barrel amid investor concerns about potential disruptions to energy supplies if negotiations fail or tensions escalate around the Strait of Hormuz .
The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil supply normally passes, has been effectively closed to normal commercial shipping since Iran imposed restrictions following the outbreak of the war on February 28 .
What Comes Next: No Breakthrough in Sight
With both sides holding firm on their core demands regarding the uranium stockpile — the US demanding physical removal, Iran refusing any such transfer — the prospects for a near-term breakthrough appear dim.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei acknowledged that the talks have reached a “critical situation” or “turning point” given the intensity of diplomatic engagement, but he cautioned against optimism .
“We cannot necessarily say that we have reached a point where an agreement is close,” Baghaei told state-run IRIB TV . “Diplomacy is a process that takes time. Both sides are only conveying their own viewpoints.”
| Scenario | Likelihood | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear compromise via downblending | Uncertain | Iran has offered this before; US may accept under pressure |
| Uranium transfer abandoned | Low | Trump has made removal a top priority |
| Talks extended without resolution | Moderate | Both sides may continue indirect engagement |
| Ceasefire collapse | Possible | Trump has warned of military options |
President Trump has indicated he is willing to wait “several days” for the “right answers” from Tehran . However, he has also warned that military options remain on the table if Iran fails to provide satisfactory responses.
For now, the fragile Pakistan-brokered ceasefire that took effect on April 8 remains in place — but with the uranium issue at an impasse and both sides unwilling to budge, the window for diplomacy appears to be narrowing.
As one Iranian source put it: “If we try to dig too deeply into the details of Iran’s highly enriched uranium, we will never reach a conclusion, or an agreement” .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What did Iran say about a deal involving highly enriched uranium?
A: Iran has declared that it will not accept any agreement with the United States that includes provisions requiring the transfer of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium abroad. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a directive stating that the stockpile “should not leave the country” .
Q2: How much highly enriched uranium does Iran have?
A: The IAEA estimates that Iran has approximately 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity — just one technical step below the 90 percent threshold required for weapons-grade material. This amount, if further enriched, is sufficient for more than 10 nuclear warheads .
Q3: What does the United States want Iran to do with its uranium?
A: President Trump has demanded that Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium be transferred out of the country and destroyed. “We will get it. We don’t need it, we don’t want it. We’ll probably destroy it after we get it, but we’re not going to let them have it,” Trump said .
Q4: Is there a compromise solution?
A: Iranian officials have indicated they would be willing to “downblend” — dilute — the stockpile under IAEA supervision to a lower enrichment level suitable for civilian nuclear energy. However, the United States has so far rejected this alternative, insisting on physical removal of the material from Iran .
Q5: Why does Iran refuse to transfer its uranium abroad?
A: Iranian officials believe that sending the material abroad would leave the country more vulnerable to future attacks by the United States or Israel. There is also “deep suspicion” that the current pause in hostilities is a “tactical deception” by the US to “create a sense of security” before renewing attacks .
Q6: What is the status of broader US-Iran negotiations?
A: Indirect talks continue through Pakistani mediation, but significant gaps remain on multiple issues, including the uranium stockpile, control of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and frozen assets . Secretary of State Rubio has acknowledged only “slight progress” .
Q7: What has President Trump said about military options?
A: Trump has warned that military options remain on the table if Iran fails to provide “the right answers” in negotiations. He has indicated he is willing to wait “several days” but has cautioned that the window for diplomacy is limited .
Q8: What role is Pakistan playing in the negotiations?
A: Pakistan is the primary mediator between the United States and Iran. Pakistan’s army chief has made multiple trips to Tehran, and its interior minister has been in Iran as part of the messaging exchange. Islamabad secured the April 8 ceasefire and hosted the only round of direct US-Iran talks in April .
This is a developing story. Reflecto News will continue to provide updates on US-Iran negotiations, the status of the uranium impasse, and any progress toward a final agreement.