Khamenei prohibited the export of Iran's enriched uranium, contrary to Trump's demands – Reuters

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a directive stating that near-weapons-grade uranium must not be sent abroad, hardening Tehran's stance on one of the main U.S. demands in peace talks, Reuters reports, citing two senior Iranian sources, according to UNN.

Details

The order from Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei could further frustrate U.S. President Donald Trump and complicate negotiations to end the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

On Thursday, Trump vowed that the United States would not allow Iran to keep its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium.

"We're going to 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 told reporters at the White House.

Israeli officials told Reuters that Trump had assured Israel that the stockpiles of highly enriched uranium needed to create nuclear weapons would be removed from Iran, and any peace deal must include a clause to that effect.

Israel, the U.S., and other Western powers have long accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, pointing in particular to its efforts to enrich uranium to 60%, which is much higher than necessary for civilian use and closer to the 90% required for weapons. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that he will not consider the war over until the enriched uranium is removed from Iran, Tehran stops supporting proxy militias, and its ballistic missile potential is eliminated.

"The Supreme Leader's directive and the consensus within the establishment is that the stockpiles of enriched uranium must not leave the country," said one of the two Iranian sources.

According to the sources, senior Iranian officials believe that sending the materials abroad would make the country more vulnerable to future attacks by the U.S. and Israel. Khamenei has the final say on the most important state matters.

Asked to comment on the article, White House spokesperson Olivia Wales stated: "President Trump has clearly outlined the United States' 'red lines' and will only enter into a deal if the interests of the American people come first."

Trump and Netanyahu diverge on military operation against Iran - CNN22.05.26, 02:53 • 23272 views