Trump says US does not need Iran deal to secure enriched uranium: 'I don’t think they could stop us'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump cast fresh doubt on the need for a deal with Iran after saying Washington did not need a ceasefire deal with Iran to get enriched ⁠uranium from ​the ⁠country.

His remarks came as negotiations remained unresolved. They also raised new questions because the proposed deal centers heavily on the future of Iran’s uranium stockpile.

Trump questions need for uranium deal

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump downplayed the need for an agreement to secure Iran’s enriched uranium.

“We could get it right now. I don’t think they could stop us if we wanted, but there’s no reason to. It’s entombed,” Trump said.

The president also said he did not want to meet with Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, despite suggesting that such a meeting could happen if a deal were ultimately reached.

Trump’s comments marked a notable shift in emphasis from recent negotiations, where the handling of Iran’s highly enriched uranium has been one of the most sensitive issues between Washington and Tehran.

According to reports, Iran is believed to possess roughly 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, a level below weapons grade but far above what is typically required for civilian nuclear energy.

The United States has pushed for control over that stockpile, while Iran has resisted sending the material abroad.

Uranium dispute drives proposed agreement

A preliminary memorandum of understanding reportedly reached on May 28 would extend the ceasefire for 60 days and launch negotiations aimed at permanently ending the conflict, according to Al Jazeera.

The framework reportedly includes commitments related to the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief and discussions over Iran’s nuclear program.

One of the central provisions involves determining how to handle Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Reports indicate the US wants the material handed over, while Iran has rejected that demand. Iranian media previously reported that Khamenei directed that the country’s enriched uranium should not be sent abroad.

The proposed agreement would also reportedly commit Iran not to pursue a nuclear weapon and establish talks on uranium enrichment during the 60-day negotiation window.

Trump seeks edits to Iran framework

Trump’s latest comments come days after reports that he was reviewing and seeking changes to the proposed US-Iran framework.

According to reports, the requested edits relate specifically to two of the agreement’s most contentious issues: the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of highly enriched uranium.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s chief negotiator, also signaled continuing resistance, saying Tehran would not agree to any arrangement unless “Iranian rights were fully secured,” as per BBC.  

US officials previously said Washington and Tehran had agreed to a framework pending approval from Trump and Iran’s leadership.

That approval remains uncertain, and Trump’s assertion that the US does not need a deal to obtain Iran’s enriched uranium adds another layer of pressure to negotiations that are still awaiting a final decision from both sides.