JUST IN: Iran Flatly Rejects Any Transfer of Enriched Uranium Stockpiles to U.S. or Third Countries, Calling It “Not on the Agenda”

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Reflecto News – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei issued a strong denial on April 20, 2026, stating that the idea of transferring Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles to the United States or any other country has never been raised in any stage of negotiations and is fundamentally not on the agenda of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Baghaei made the remarks during a regular press briefing in Tehran, directly contradicting recent U.S. reports and statements suggesting that “cash-for-uranium” or removal of Iran’s highly enriched uranium was under active discussion.

Baghaei’s Exact Statement

“At no stage of the ongoing or previous negotiations has the issue of transferring Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles to the United States or any other country been raised, and fundamentally, this option is not on the agenda of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

He emphasized that Iran’s position on its nuclear program remains based on national interests, international law, and the principle that any agreement must respect Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology under safeguards.

Context and Contradiction with U.S. Claims

The statement directly challenges recent reporting (including from Axios) that the Trump administration was considering releasing up to $20 billion in frozen Iranian assets in exchange for Iran surrendering or down-blending its enriched uranium stockpile (estimated at nearly 2,000 kg, including material close to weapons-grade levels).

It also contrasts with President Trump’s repeated claims that the U.S. would secure “all of Iran’s nuclear dust” with no money exchanging hands, and that progress was being made on removing enriched uranium from Iranian territory.

Baghaei’s remarks come amid:

• The fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire approaching its April 21 expiration.
• The recent U.S. Navy seizure of the Iranian cargo ship Touska, which Iran has condemned as a ceasefire violation.
• Ongoing backchannel mediation by Pakistan, Egypt, and Türkiye.

Iranian Position

Tehran has consistently insisted that it will not surrender its uranium stockpiles or accept a complete end to enrichment on Iranian soil. Iranian officials have instead spoken of possible monitored down-blending inside Iran or other confidence-building measures, but only in exchange for verifiable sanctions relief and recognition of Iran’s nuclear rights.

Baghaei’s statement reinforces Iran’s red line: no external removal of its nuclear material and no acceptance of ultimatums or artificial deadlines.

Implications for Diplomacy

• The explicit rejection narrows the window for a quick breakthrough before the ceasefire deadline.
• It increases uncertainty over whether the current truce can be extended or replaced.
• The U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports remains in effect, adding economic pressure while diplomatic channels appear to be cooling.

This development highlights the persistent gap between U.S. and Iranian expectations and the difficulty mediators face in bridging it.

FAQs

Q1: What exactly did Esmail Baghaei say about uranium stockpiles?
He stated that transferring Iran’s enriched uranium to the U.S. or any other country has never been raised in negotiations and is “fundamentally not on the agenda” of Iran.

Q2: Does this contradict U.S. reports?
Yes. It directly challenges recent Axios reporting and Trump administration suggestions that “cash-for-uranium” or removal of stockpiles was actively under discussion.

Q3: What is Iran’s core position on its nuclear program?
Iran insists on retaining a peaceful nuclear program under international safeguards and rejects any complete surrender or external removal of its enriched uranium.

Q4: How does this affect the current ceasefire?
With the April 21 deadline approaching and no confirmed plans for new talks, the risk of the truce expiring without extension has increased.

Q5: What is the status of the U.S. naval blockade?
The targeted blockade on Iranian ports remains in effect as leverage, even as the Strait of Hormuz has been declared open for commercial shipping.

Q6: Are mediators still involved?
Yes. Pakistan, Egypt, and Türkiye continue backchannel efforts, but momentum appears to have slowed following recent incidents and mutual recriminations.

Q7: Where can I follow balanced updates?
Stay with Reflecto News for verified coverage based on official Iranian, U.S., and mediator statements. We monitor developments from all sides as the ceasefire deadline nears.

This is a developing story. Reflecto News will provide updates as reactions emerge from Washington, any new statements are made by Iranian or U.S. officials, or if mediators comment on the current state of talks.

Reflecto News delivers accurate, timely reporting on U.S.-Iran diplomacy, nuclear issues, and Middle East security. For more on the fragile ceasefire, the Strait of Hormuz situation, and the latest statements from all parties, explore our dedicated international section. Share your respectful comments below.