Iran's Supreme Leader Orders Enriched Uranium to Remain Inside Country

Two senior Iranian officials told Reuters that the Supreme Leader issued a directive prohibiting the export of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. The move signals a tougher stance by Tehran in ongoing peace negotiations with the United States.

Analysts say the decision could further frustrate U.S. President Donald Trump and complicate diplomatic efforts aimed at ending tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Israeli officials told Reuters that Trump had previously assured them any potential agreement with Iran would include provisions regarding enriched uranium, including its transfer out of Iran. Tehran’s hardened position could therefore increase tensions with Washington.

International assessments estimate that Iran currently possesses around 400 kilograms of enriched uranium, enough to potentially produce at least a dozen nuclear bombs.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he would not agree to end the conflict unless Iran’s enriched uranium was removed, support for armed groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas was halted, and Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities were dismantled.

Speaking anonymously, an Iranian official said Tehran’s leadership believes sending enriched uranium abroad would leave the country more vulnerable to potential attacks by the United States and Israel.

Under Iran’s political system, the Supreme Leader holds final authority over all major and sensitive state matters.