Washington, D.C. – US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States will work with Iran to recover enriched uranium and transport it back to American territory, describing the planned operation as a “nice leisurely pace” extraction effort. The remarks come amid ongoing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and competing narratives between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking in a phone interview with Reuters, Trump said US teams would collaborate with Iranian counterparts to retrieve nuclear materials allegedly left behind after past strikes on Iranian facilities.
“We’re going to get it together. We’re going to go in with Iran, at a nice leisurely pace, and go down and start excavating with big machinery… We’ll bring it back to the United States,” Trump said.
He also referred to what he described as “nuclear dust,” claiming that remnants from earlier US-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear installations may still be present and recoverable.
Iran Rejects Transfer of Enriched Uranium
Iran quickly rejected Trump’s claims, with the Foreign Ministry stating that no agreement exists to transfer enriched uranium to the United States or any third country.
“Iran’s enriched uranium is not going to be transferred anywhere; transferring uranium to the United States has not been an option for us,” said spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, speaking on state television.
The firm denial highlights the continued diplomatic deadlock over Iran’s nuclear program, which remains one of the most sensitive issues in US-Iran negotiations.
Nuclear Tensions at the Center of Conflict
Trump reiterated that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a central justification for the ongoing conflict. Iran, however, maintains that its uranium enrichment program is strictly for civilian energy purposes, not weapons development.
International estimates suggest Iran possesses more than 900 pounds of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, a level that remains below weapons-grade but is considered strategically significant.
Talks, Blockades, and Naval Operations
Trump said the United States will continue maintaining a naval blockade against Iran until a formal agreement is reached, while expressing optimism that negotiations are progressing.
“I think the deal will go very quickly. We’re getting along very well with Iran,” he said, adding that further talks are expected “probably over the weekend.”
He also suggested that future diplomatic meetings could take place in Islamabad, though no final decision has been made regarding travel plans.
Disputed Claims Over Nuclear Material and Funding
Trump dismissed reports suggesting that Washington was considering a $20 billion cash-for-uranium deal, calling the claim “totally false” and insisting that “no money is changing hands.”
He also confirmed ongoing US efforts related to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, including operations aimed at clearing mines and maintaining shipping routes amid regional instability.
Iran-US Nuclear Dispute Remains Unresolved
The issue of uranium enrichment continues to be one of the most contentious points in US-Iran relations, with both sides maintaining sharply opposing positions. While Washington frames the program as a security threat, Tehran insists it is part of its sovereign energy development strategy.
Diplomatic channels remain open, but competing statements from both governments underscore the fragility of ongoing negotiations and the uncertainty surrounding any potential agreement.
