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Supreme Leader says enriched uranium must stay in Iran, Iranian sources say

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Iran's Supreme Leader has directed that the country's near-weapons-grade uranium should not be exported, hardening Tehran's position in peace talks.
  • This directive could complicate negotiations with the U.S. and Israel, who have demanded the uranium be sent out of Iran.
  • Iranian officials believe exporting the material would make the country more vulnerable to future attacks, and deep suspicion remains regarding U.S. intentions.

In a significant hardening of its nuclear stance, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a directive stipulating that the country's stockpile of highly enriched uranium must remain within Iran. This decision directly challenges a key demand from the United States and Israel in ongoing peace talks, potentially escalating tensions and complicating efforts to end the current conflict. The directive reflects a deep-seated suspicion among top Iranian officials regarding the intentions of Washington and its allies.

The Supreme Leader’s directive, and the consensus within the establishment, is that the stockpile of enriched uranium should not leave the country.

— Senior Iranian sourceExplaining the internal decision regarding the enriched uranium.

Sources close to the Iranian leadership indicate that the consensus is firm: exporting the enriched uranium would leave Iran more vulnerable to potential future attacks by the U.S. and Israel. This strategic calculation underscores Iran's determination to safeguard its national security interests. The Supreme Leader, holding the ultimate authority on critical state matters, has made a definitive pronouncement that carries significant weight in both domestic and international arenas.

obvious and hidden moves by the enemy

— Mohammad-Baqher GhalibafExpressing suspicion about U.S. intentions during peace talks.

The implications for the peace negotiations are substantial. While a shaky ceasefire is in place, deep divisions persist, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear program. The U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and Tehran's control over the Strait of Hormuz add further complexity to the U.S.-mediated talks. Iran's negotiators have expressed concerns about "obvious and hidden moves by the enemy," suggesting a belief that the pause in hostilities might be a tactical maneuver by Washington. The fate of the enriched uranium stockpile remains a central sticking point, alongside Iran's demand for recognition of its enrichment rights.

The U.S. was ready to proceed with further attacks on Tehran if Iran did not agree to a peace deal, but suggested Washington could wait a few days to 'get the right answers.'

— Donald TrumpStating the U.S. position on potential further military action.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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