Tehran denies approving transfer of its nuclear stockpile, Trump speaks of imminent deal

Tehran officially announced on Friday evening its categorical rejection of any proposals to transfer its enriched uranium stockpile out of the country. This denial came in response to statements from the American administration hinting at understandings regarding the fate of the Iranian nuclear program amidst ongoing negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ismail Baqaei, confirmed in statements reported by official media that enriched uranium represents a major sovereign issue that is not open to compromise. Baqaei stressed that this stockpile will not leave Iranian territory, likening its importance to the sanctity of national soil for the Islamic Republic.

In contrast, US President Donald Trump revealed a completely different vision, stating to press sources that Washington intends to work with Tehran to extract the buried enriched uranium. Trump explained that operations would involve using massive machines to transfer what he described as 'nuclear dust' remaining after previous attacks to the United States.

Trump indicated in a phone interview that these steps would be taken at a calm pace and in coordination with the Iranian side very soon. The US President believes that obtaining these nuclear materials is a security necessity to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon, which he considers one of the main objectives of his current actions.

On the diplomatic front, Trump expressed optimism about holding a direct meeting with Iranian officials in the next few hours. This anticipated meeting aims to finalize an agreement that would end the ongoing conflict in the region, amidst reports of tangible progress in drafting the text.

Informed sources reported that negotiations are close to crystallizing a brief, three-page agreement to address outstanding issues. The items proposed for discussion include the US releasing approximately $20 billion in frozen Iranian assets in exchange for specific nuclear concessions from Tehran.

American proposals include a voluntary freeze on uranium enrichment operations for a period still under negotiation between the two parties. The draft understanding also raises the possibility of Iran retaining research reactors for producing medical isotopes, provided that all facilities are above ground with a ban on the use of fortified underground sites.

Technical estimates indicate that Iran currently possesses a stockpile exceeding 900 pounds of enriched uranium with a purity level of up to 60%. This percentage is very close to the levels required for producing nuclear weapons, making it the most complex point on the international negotiation agenda.

For his part, a high-ranking Iranian official warned that gaps remain wide between Washington and Tehran despite the positive atmosphere promoted by the White House. The official clarified that reaching a final agreement requires serious and in-depth negotiations that go beyond broad headlines to reach precise technical details.

Tehran linked the continued flow of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to the extent of the United States' commitment to the terms of a comprehensive ceasefire. Iranian sources confirmed that any narrative speaking of reaching a final agreement on nuclear issues at present is a distortion of the reality on the ground.

Pakistan emerges as a pivotal player in this crisis through its mediation efforts to bridge the views between the adversaries. The concerned parties hope to reach a preliminary agreement that paves the way for lifting economic sanctions on Iran and obtaining compensation for the damages caused by the war.

Iran's enriched uranium will not be transferred anywhere, just as Iranian soil is sacred to us, this issue holds great importance in our view.