Nexus News Alert | Dubai/Jerusalem, 21 May 2026 — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a firm directive that the country’s near-weapons-grade Iran enriched uranium stockpile must not be sent abroad, two senior Iranian sources told Reuters. This move significantly hardens Tehran’s position in ongoing peace talks with the United States.
The directive comes amid delicate negotiations to end the US-Israeli war on Iran. Israeli officials had earlier indicated that President Donald Trump assured them the enriched uranium would be removed from Iran as part of any final deal.
Key Points on Iran Enriched Uranium Stance
- Supreme Leader’s order: Iran enriched uranium stockpile to remain inside the country
- Hardens Tehran’s negotiating position with the US
- Contradicts reported US and Israeli demands for removal
- Raises complications for ongoing mediation efforts
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Iran has been enriching uranium to 60% purity — far above civilian needs and close to weapons-grade levels (90%). Before the conflict, Tehran had signalled willingness to ship out part of the stockpile, but that position has now shifted due to repeated threats of further strikes.
Background of the Dispute
The US and Israel have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran strongly denies. The current ceasefire, in place since early April, remains fragile as both sides continue backchannel talks mediated by countries including Pakistan.
Iranian officials have prioritised a permanent end to hostilities and credible security guarantees before making major concessions on the nuclear programme. Sending the Iran enriched uranium abroad is now seen as leaving the country vulnerable to future attacks.
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Current Situation
- Trump has described talks as being in the “final stages” but warned the window for diplomacy could close quickly.
- Israel insists any deal must include removal of enriched uranium, end to support for proxy militias, and limits on ballistic missiles.
- Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned that renewed aggression could trigger a wider regional war.
The Iran enriched uranium issue remains one of the biggest sticking points in negotiations. While some feasible solutions like dilution under IAEA supervision have been discussed, deep suspicions persist on both sides.
This latest directive from Iran’s Supreme Leader adds complexity to efforts aimed at achieving a lasting peace in West Asia.
Nexus News Alert will continue monitoring developments related to Iran enriched uranium, US-Iran talks, and the broader regional situation.
