Iran’s Supreme Leader has reportedly ordered that the country’s near-weapons-grade enriched uranium must not be sent abroad, according to two senior Iranian sources.
The move is expected to further complicate ongoing negotiations with the United States over ending the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
According to the sources, Mojtaba Khamenei issued the directive amid growing concern within Iran’s leadership that surrendering enriched uranium stockpiles would leave the country vulnerable to future military attacks.
The issue of Iran’s uranium stockpile has become one of the key disagreements in peace negotiations.
Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have reportedly insisted that any peace agreement must include the removal of Iran’s highly enriched uranium from the country.
Western governments, including the United States and Israel, have long accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons capability, particularly after Tehran enriched uranium to 60% purity — much closer to weapons-grade levels of 90%.
Iran, however, continues to deny seeking nuclear weapons and says its nuclear activities are for peaceful and civilian purposes.
According to the report:
- Iranian officials now believe sending uranium abroad would weaken national security
- Tehran remains deeply suspicious that the current ceasefire could be temporary
- Iranian leaders fear the United States and Israel may resume military operations later
The report also stated that:
- Iran wants guarantees that future attacks will not occur before entering detailed nuclear negotiations
- Major disagreements remain over uranium stockpiles and Iran’s right to continue uranium enrichment
Iranian negotiators have reportedly suggested alternative solutions, including:
- Diluting enriched uranium under supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency
- Maintaining monitored peaceful nuclear activities within Iran
IAEA estimates previously indicated that Iran possessed approximately 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% before U.S.-Israeli strikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities.
The report further noted that some of the enriched uranium is believed to be stored at:
- Isfahan Nuclear Facility
- Natanz Nuclear Facility
Meanwhile, President Trump reportedly warned this week that the United States remains prepared to launch further attacks if Iran does not agree to a peace settlement.
Iran has responded by warning of a “crushing response” to any renewed military action.
