The Supreme Leader has ordered that nuclear stockpiles remain within the country, making negotiations with the US difficult…
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered that Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium not be sent abroad, two senior Iranian sources told Reuters. The decision strengthens Tehran’s position on one of the United States’ key demands in talks over a ceasefire and Iran’s nuclear program.
According to Reuters, Iran’s enriched uranium is close to the level needed to produce nuclear weapons. The US wants these stocks transferred out of Iran as part of any potential deal.
The sources said Khamenei’s directive could further complicate US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic efforts to reach a deal that would end the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.
Israeli officials told Reuters that Trump has assured Israel that Iran’s stockpiles of highly enriched uranium will be removed from Iranian territory and that this point must be included in any peace agreement.
Tehran’s stance is expected to increase tensions in the negotiations, while the Iranian nuclear program remains one of the most sensitive security issues in the Middle East.