Iran's Supreme Leader Rejects US Demands on Uranium Stockpile

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has firmly rejected US demands to transfer the country's near-weapons grade uranium stockpile during ongoing peace negotiations. This decision comes amidst a fragile ceasefire and rising tensions between Iran and the US-Israel alliance. Iranian officials express skepticism about Washington's intentions, fearing that the ceasefire may be a tactical ploy. As the situation evolves, the implications for regional stability remain significant, with both sides on high alert for potential escalations. Read on to explore the complexities of this geopolitical standoff.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 21, 2026, 18:15 IST

Iran's Stance on Uranium Stockpile

Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, has reportedly instructed that the nation’s stock of near-weapons grade uranium must remain within its borders, dismissing a significant request from the United States amid ongoing peace talks. As reported by Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, Washington had urged Tehran to transfer approximately 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium, limit nuclear operations to a single site, and accept that the US would not provide compensation for damages incurred during the conflict.

In response to the American proposal, Iranian sources informed Reuters that there is a strong consensus among Iranian officials against the idea of exporting the uranium stockpile. According to these sources, “The Supreme Leader’s directive, along with the agreement within the establishment, is that the enriched uranium stockpile should not be exported from the country.”

This development follows claims made by US President Donald Trump several months ago, suggesting that Iran had consented to relinquish its enriched uranium reserves as part of a potential peace deal. During a White House briefing in April, Trump stated that both parties were “close” to an agreement, mentioning, “They’ve agreed to give us back the nuclear dust,” referring to uranium that the US believes could be utilized in the production of nuclear weapons.

Additionally, Reuters noted that Israeli officials received assurances from Trump that any final accord with Tehran would necessitate the removal of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile from the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently argued that the conflict cannot be resolved unless the uranium is extracted from Iran.

These latest statements emerge during a fragile ceasefire that has temporarily halted hostilities between Iran and the US-Israel coalition. Following an escalation of tensions earlier this year, Iran has conducted attacks targeting Gulf nations that host American military installations, while confrontations have also occurred between Israel and the Iran-supported Hezbollah group in Lebanon.

In light of the uneasy truce, Reuters quoted two senior Iranian officials expressing deep skepticism regarding Washington’s motives. They indicated that many in Iran suspect the ceasefire could be a strategic maneuver aimed at fostering complacency before potential renewed airstrikes.

Furthermore, Iran’s chief peace negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, cautioned on Wednesday that both “obvious and hidden moves by the enemy” imply that the US might be gearing up for another series of attacks.