Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, May 26: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday stated that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile would either be handed over to the United States for destruction or eliminated under international supervision as part of a possible arrangement between Washington and Tehran.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the enriched uranium — which he referred to as “nuclear dust” — could be transported to the US for disposal or destroyed within Iran itself or at another mutually agreed location.
He added that the process would take place in coordination with Iran and under the observation of the relevant atomic energy authority or equivalent international body.
Trump, however, did not specify the quantity of enriched uranium involved in the proposed arrangement.
The comments come amid continued speculation over possible negotiations between the United States and Iran regarding sanctions relief and nuclear-related understandings.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has previously overseen inspections and monitoring of Iran’s nuclear activities under various international agreements and verification frameworks.
Meanwhile, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency rejected reports suggesting that Tehran had agreed to transfer highly enriched uranium outside the country.
Tasnim dismissed claims made by Saudi-based broadcaster Al Hadath that Iran was prepared to remove enriched uranium from its territory as part of a potential memorandum of understanding with the US.
According to the Iranian agency, no such commitment currently exists in the draft understanding being discussed.
Tasnim further stated that Iran has not agreed to any nuclear-related concessions involving the transfer or removal of nuclear material.
Separately, The Washington Post reported, citing an Iranian official, that an initial phase of a possible agreement could involve the release of $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets, easing of restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz and lifting of certain US sanctions.
However, the report added that the proposed arrangement would not yet constitute a comprehensive nuclear agreement between the two countries.