Iran’s Supreme Leader Orders Enriched Uranium to Stay in Country, Escalating Nuclear Tensions With US and Israel

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Ali Khamenei has reportedly issued a directive stating that the country’s near-weapons-grade enriched uranium must remain inside Iran, according to two senior Iranian sources. The decision further strengthens Tehran’s position in ongoing negotiations with the United States over its nuclear program.

The statement effectively challenges a key demand from Washington, which has insisted that Iran transfer its uranium stockpile abroad as part of any potential agreement to end the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States would not allow Iran to retain its highly enriched uranium. He said: “We will get it. We don’t need it, we don’t want it. We’ll probably destroy it after we get it, but we’re not going to let them have it.”

Israeli officials have also reportedly indicated that Trump assured them Iran’s uranium stockpile must be removed from the country as part of any peace deal. Israel has long supported strict conditions on Iran’s nuclear activities, alongside limitations on missile programs and regional alliances.

Iran, however, denies seeking nuclear weapons. Western governments, including Israel and the United States, have repeatedly expressed concern over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, which have reached 60%, significantly higher than civilian requirements and closer to weapons-grade levels.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that any resolution to the conflict would require the removal of enriched uranium from Iran, along with an end to Tehran’s regional influence and missile development programs.

One Iranian source said: “The Supreme Leader’s directive, and the consensus within the establishment, is that the stockpile of enriched uranium should not leave the country.” Officials reportedly believe that transferring the material abroad would increase Iran’s vulnerability to potential future strikes by the United States or Israel.

The Supreme Leader holds final authority over major state decisions in Iran, making the directive a significant policy position in the ongoing nuclear standoff.

The White House responded by reiterating that President Trump’s position remains firm, stating that any agreement must prioritize U.S. national interests. Iran’s foreign ministry has not yet issued an official response.