US President Donald Trump says the United States will eventually recover Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium even as Iranian officials say they will not hand over the material. Speaking at the White House, Trump reiterates a hardline stance toward Iran’s nuclear program, saying the US will “get it,” adding that Washington does not need or want the uranium but will not allow Iran to keep it. He also suggests the material could be destroyed after it is recovered.
Multiple outlets, citing Reuters reporting, say Iran is believed to hold about 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium. Trump characterizes the material as having been buried following US and Israeli airstrikes about a year ago, and frames the recovery effort as part of his broader objective to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
One Reuters account also notes that Iran’s Supreme Leader has issued a directive that near-weapons-grade uranium should not be sent abroad, according to senior Iranian sources. Iranian statements rejecting any transfer remain a key point of contention as talks continue.
