U.S. President Donald Trump signaled he is open to having Iran's uranium destroyed inside Iran, as reports emerged that ceasefire negotiations between Washington and Tehran have stalled. The remarks reflect a softening from his previous position that highly enriched uranium must be destroyed in the United States, drawing attention to Iran's response and the impact on upcoming talks.
Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday that "the enriched Uranium will either be immediately turned over to the United States to be destroyed, or, more preferably, destroyed in conjunction and concert with Iran, on site, or in any other appropriate location, in front of the AEC, or its equivalent."
Iran is known to possess approximately 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium at 60% purity. The United States had insisted that this material be removed to U.S. soil. However, Trump's latest remarks are interpreted as signaling that Washington could accept destroying the highly enriched uranium inside Iran in cooperation with the United States. They are also read as indicating openness to removing the material to a third country and destroying it there under the supervision of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) or an equivalent body.
The remarks came after The Wall Street Journal, citing multiple mediators, reported that ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran had bogged down. The two sides are currently discussing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would extend the ceasefire by 60 days and keep the Strait of Hormuz open. The proposal also includes discussions on Iran's nuclear program and sanctions relief during that period. The WSJ, citing mediators, reported that "the United States is demanding clearer upfront commitments on Iran's nuclear program," while "Iran is also demanding specific details from the United States on sanctions relief and the unfreezing of assets." The outlet reported that the United States is concerned Iran could take a lukewarm approach to the nuclear issue after securing some sanctions relief.
Meanwhile, Fox News reported that an Iranian delegation led by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday to discuss the details of the ceasefire agreement. Talks began that morning, and Reuters reported that the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, and the possible release of frozen Iranian funds were among the main agenda items.
Experts, however, expect that even if the United States and Iran sign an MOU and enter full-fledged nuclear negotiations, difficulties are likely over issues such as the Strait of Hormuz and the duration of any ban on uranium enrichment activities. Iran has said it will not impose "tolls" on the Strait of Hormuz but plans to charge fees for services such as navigation and environmental protection measures. That could be a sticking point for the United States.
