U.S. President Donald Trump has заявил that the United States will secure Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium “one way or another,” warning that failure in ongoing negotiations could result in a more forceful approach.
Speaking in a recent interview, Trump claimed that Iran had already agreed in principle to cooperate with Washington on removing its enriched uranium stockpile. He suggested that the process could be carried out jointly and without the need for U.S. ground troops.
“We’ll go down and get it with them, and then we’ll take it,” Trump said, indicating that such an operation would occur within the framework of a negotiated agreement. “There’s no need for fighting when there’s an agreement,” he added.
However, Trump also issued a stark warning about the alternative, suggesting that if diplomacy fails, the United States could pursue the objective through more aggressive means. While he did not provide specifics, the remarks signal continued pressure on Tehran amid fragile negotiations.
At a rally in Arizona, Trump reiterated his position, outlining what he described as key elements of a potential agreement. He claimed that the United States would ultimately take control of what he referred to as “nuclear dust”—a term he used to describe Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
The phrase “nuclear dust,” however, is not recognized within the nuclear physics or nuclear energy industry, raising questions among experts about the accuracy and intent of the terminology.
Iranian officials swiftly rejected Trump’s claims. A senior official dismissed the remarks as “alternative facts,” firmly denying that Tehran had agreed to transfer its enriched uranium stockpile to the United States.
The official described the proposal as a “non-starter,” underscoring Iran’s longstanding position that its nuclear program remains a matter of national sovereignty. The source also rejected assertions that Iran had agreed to halt uranium enrichment indefinitely, emphasizing that such a condition would violate its rights under international frameworks.
“Iran will never accept being an exception from international law,” the official said, highlighting that the issue of uranium enrichment remains one of the primary obstacles in ongoing negotiations.
The dispute underscores the deep divisions that persist between Washington and Tehran, despite recent diplomatic engagement aimed at de-escalating tensions. While Trump has projected optimism about the prospects of a deal, Iranian officials have repeatedly signaled that key demands from the U.S. remain unacceptable.
At the center of the standoff is Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, which has long been a focal point of international concern due to its potential use in nuclear weapons development. The United States and its allies have sought strict limitations on Iran’s nuclear activities, while Tehran insists its program is intended for peaceful purposes.
The latest exchange highlights the fragile nature of current negotiations, with both sides maintaining sharply different narratives about the progress and scope of any potential agreement. Analysts note that such public contradictions can further complicate diplomatic efforts, particularly when core issues—such as enrichment rights and control over nuclear materials—remain unresolved.
As talks continue, the gap between U.S. demands and Iranian red lines suggests that reaching a comprehensive agreement may prove challenging. The coming days are likely to be critical in determining whether diplomacy can bridge these differences or whether tensions will escalate further.
