Iran Dismisses Trump's Claims on Uranium Stockpile as Unfounded

Iran has strongly refuted US President Donald Trump's claims regarding the acquisition of its enriched uranium stockpile, labeling them as unfounded. Amid ongoing negotiations about its nuclear program, Iranian officials have expressed that the demands from Washington are unrealistic. Additionally, Iran has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open for commercial shipping during the current ceasefire, aiming to stabilize global trade and energy markets. This announcement comes as tensions in the region continue to fluctuate, highlighting the complexities of international diplomacy surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 17, 2026, 23:39 IST

Iran's Firm Rejection of US Claims

Iran has categorically denied assertions made by US President Donald Trump regarding the potential acquisition of Tehran’s enriched uranium reserves. Iranian officials labeled these claims as “baseless” and described the accompanying demands as “illogical and unreasonable.” As reported by Mehr News Agency, this response comes amid delicate negotiations concerning Iran's nuclear program, indicating that significant disagreements persist despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Trump had suggested that the US might gain control over Iran's enriched uranium as part of a larger agreement. However, Iranian representatives firmly rejected this notion, with Mehr News indicating that Tehran perceives Washington’s requests as unrealistic and out of touch with the current negotiation context.

The US is contemplating the unfreezing of up to $20 billion in Iranian assets in exchange for limitations on Tehran’s enriched uranium stockpile, which is estimated to be nearly 2,000 kg, with around 450 kg enriched to 60% purity. This uranium is reportedly stored in secure underground facilities, making it a pivotal topic in the discussions. While the US advocates for the physical transfer of nuclear materials, Iran has expressed a preference for “down-blending” the stockpile domestically.

In recent statements and social media posts, Trump claimed that Iran had consented to extensive conditions, including a complete halt to uranium enrichment. He also asserted that the US would acquire Tehran’s nuclear “dust” without any financial transaction.

Strait of Hormuz Declared Open

In a related development, Iran announced that commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will remain “completely open” during the ongoing ceasefire, aimed at reassuring global trade and energy markets following weeks of disruptions. This declaration was made by Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who stated that all commercial vessels are permitted passage “for the remaining period of ceasefire” along a route coordinated by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation.

This announcement comes amid a fragile ceasefire in the region, which has temporarily halted hostilities associated with the broader West Asia conflict. Araghchi noted on X that, “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

Meanwhile, President Trump also confirmed via his social media platform that the Strait of Hormuz is “fully open.” He remarked, “Iran has just announced that the strait of Iran is fully open and ready for full passage. Thank you!” Notably, Trump referred to the Strait of Hormuz as the “Strait of Iran” in his post.