Reuters reported today (Thursday), citing two senior Iranian sources, that Iran’s ‘supreme’ leader has signed an order completely banning the export of enriched uranium from the country. The move comes amid threats by US President Donald Trump to resume hostilities if Tehran does not back down, and completely complicates secret peace talks being brokered by Pakistan.
The new directive from Khamenei, who has the final say in all state affairs, reflects a deep consensus within Tehran’s security establishment. Iranian officials believe that shipping the material out would leave the country vulnerable and completely exposed to future attacks by the United States and Israel. This is in stark contrast to Trump’s promises to Jerusalem that any peace agreement would require the country to be emptied of weapons-grade uranium.
One senior Iranian source explained to Reuters the rationale behind the decision: “The Supreme Leader’s directive, and the consensus within the establishment, is that the enriched uranium stockpile should not leave the country. Transferring the material abroad will leave us more vulnerable to future attacks by the United States and Israel.”
At the same time, the Iranian leadership is deeply suspicious of Washington’s intentions. The head of Iran’s negotiating team, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, officially stated: “Overt and covert moves by the enemy show that the Americans are preparing new attacks.” On the other hand, President Trump made it clear that the United States is ready to continue painful attacks on Tehran, but hinted that the administration could wait a few days to “get the right answers.”
Despite the central dispute, sources familiar with the details indicate that there are “workable formulas” for compromise, such as diluting the existing stockpile under the close supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. According to the organization’s estimates, Iran possessed approximately 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to a level of 60% on the eve of the combined attack in June 2025, and a significant portion of the material is now scattered in protected underground complexes in Isfahan and Natanz.
Iran is now demanding solid international guarantees that it will not be attacked again and recognition of its right to enrich uranium for medical purposes, and only then will it agree to discuss the details of its nuclear program.