Iran's Khamenei bans transfer of enriched uranium stockpile amid US demands

What happened

Al Jazeera Iran reports that Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has issued a directive prohibiting the transfer of the country’s enriched uranium stockpile abroad. This directive conflicts directly with statements from US President Donald Trump, who reiterated that the US will not allow Iran to keep its stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60 percent, which is closer to weapons-grade than previous levels.

The central claim remains unconfirmed in the supplied material and should be treated as hearsay until corroborated by another reliable source or a named official. The uranium stockpile in question is estimated at approximately 440 kilograms enriched to 60 percent uranium-235. While this level is below the 90 percent enrichment regarded as weapons-grade, nuclear experts note that 60 percent enrichment substantially shortens the time needed to reach weapons-grade levels. Iran claims its nuclear program is civilian, but Western countries including the US and Israel accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons capability.

Trump has publicly stated that the US aims to seize the uranium stockpile and destroy it, highlighting Washington’s firm stance. However, according to Reuters citing two unnamed senior Iranian officials, Khamenei’s directive reflects a consensus within Iran against allowing the uranium to leave the country. Furthermore, unnamed Israeli officials reported that Trump assured Israel that Iran’s stockpile would be removed under any potential peace agreement, but Iran denies any intention to comply with such demands.

Known from the source

• Iran holds an estimated 440kg of uranium enriched to 60 percent.
• Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly ordered that this uranium should not be sent abroad.
• US President Donald Trump stated that the US will not permit Iran to keep its enriched uranium stockpile and intends to destroy it if seized.
• The uranium is mostly stored underground as uranium hexafluoride gas.
• Iran withdrew from compliance with the 2015 JCPOA limits on uranium enrichment levels after the US withdrew from the deal in 2018.

What remains unclear

The uranium is mostly stored as uranium hexafluoride gas in canisters, typically underground beneath Iran’s nuclear facilities damaged in past attacks attributed to the US and Israel. These developments follow escalating tensions since the US withdrawal from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and subsequent Iranian moves to increase enrichment levels far beyond JCPOA limits.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Confirm Khamenei’s directive with a named Iranian official or authoritative Iranian state source. Clarify the exact amount and enrichment level of the uranium stockpile from an independent or IAEA source. Verify US government plans and official position on uranium seizure beyond Trump’s statements.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: Al Jazeera Iran. Open the source.