President Donald Trump states that Iran has agreed to hand over highly enriched uranium, described as ‘nuclear dust,’ buried deep underground after U.S. airstrikes targeted major Iranian nuclear sites last year. Iran has not confirmed this concession from recent talks with U.S. officials.
Background on the Nuclear Material
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirms that highly enriched uranium remains buried following the June strikes on three key facilities. This material fuels tensions between Washington and Tehran, as U.S. officials worry it could aid nuclear weapon development. Before the current two-week ceasefire, which nears its end on Tuesday, Trump directed the military to prepare a plan for retrieving the radioactive material without Iran’s approval.
Trump’s Statements on the Agreement
Speaking to reporters, Trump said: ‘Iran does not have a nuclear weapon, and they’ve agreed to that. Iran’s agreed to that, and they’ve agreed to it very powerfully. They’ve agreed to give us back the nuclear dust that’s way underground because of the attack we made with the B-2 bombers.’
He added: ‘So we have a lot of agreement with Iran, and I think something’s going to happen, very positive, very important.’ Trump noted: ‘Iran wants to make a deal, and we’re dealing very nicely with them. They’re willing to do things today that they weren’t willing to do two months ago.’
Recent Negotiations and Proposals
Talks in Islamabad over the weekend concluded without a deal. Iran maintains it pursues no nuclear weapons, limiting the value of any new pledge. Surrendering existing enriched uranium stocks would mark a significant step, though Iran’s retained production capacity tempers its impact.
U.S. officials report the airstrikes destroyed many centrifuges, but Iran retains others. Negotiators now discuss a three-page plan to end the war, potentially trading Iran’s uranium for $20 billion in unfrozen funds. Vice President JD Vance proposed a 20-year enrichment ban, which Trump later rejected.
Trump anticipates a second round of talks this weekend before the ceasefire expires. A key U.S. goal involves securing 450kg of 60 percent enriched uranium. One official remarked: ‘Iran clearly wants the $20 billion — and a lot more. They clearly want to sell oil at free-market rates without sanctions. They want to participate in the global financial system. But they also want to have this nuclear weapons program.’
The official continued: ‘They want to fund terrorists like Hamas. And they don’t want to give that up enough to get the things we’re offering. Iran has moved. But not far enough. What it takes to make them move forward, we will see.’
Strait of Hormuz Update
Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz fully open for commercial vessels during the ceasefire remainder, following the coordinated route from its Ports and Maritime Organisation. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced this on X.
Trump responded on Truth Social: ‘Iran has just announced that the Strait of Iran is fully open and ready for full passage. Thank you!’ He clarified the U.S. naval blockade persists against Iran until the transaction completes: ‘The Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage, but the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete. This process should go very quickly in that most of the points are already negotiated.’
Ceasefire Progress and Regional Outlook
Trump describes the Iran situation as ‘going swimmingly’ amid the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire that began last night. At a Las Vegas event, he called a deal with Iran ‘very close’ and labeled the day ‘historic’ for Lebanon. On Truth Social, he posted: ‘Good things are happening!!!’
The truce aims to foster permanent peace between Israel and Lebanon, which lack diplomatic ties. Trump urged Hezbollah to comply: ‘I hope Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time. It will be an GREAT moment for them if they do. No more killing. Must finally have PEACE!’
