Iran Supreme Leader Orders Enriched Uranium to Remain in Country Amid US Talks

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered that the country’s highly enriched uranium stockpile must remain inside Iran, according to senior Iranian sources.

US officials, as conveyed to Israeli counterparts, have insisted that Iran transfer its enriched uranium abroad as part of any agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also stated that the war cannot be considered over unless Iran’s nuclear material is removed and its missile and regional operations are restricted.

Nuclear Stockpile Becomes Central Issue in Peace Negotiations

Iranian officials argue that sending uranium out of the country would increase security risks and leave Iran exposed to future attacks. The Supreme Leader holds final authority on major state decisions, making the order highly significant for negotiations.

Before the conflict escalated, Iran had considered exporting part of its 60% enriched uranium stockpile, but that position has hardened amid rising tensions and threats of military action from the United States.