President Donald Trump said the United States would take control of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, while an Iranian official told Al Jazeera that Tehran planned to “downblend” the material itself as part of ongoing nuclear discussions.
Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also argued that recent US military pressure and the counter-blockade in the Strait of Hormuz had weakened Iran’s negotiating position and increased the likelihood of a diplomatic agreement.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said the United States would not allow Iran to retain enriched uranium and warned of “very drastic” measures if Tehran pursued a nuclear weapon.
Asked whether Iran could keep the material, Trump replied, “No, we will get it.”
He added that the uranium would likely be destroyed after being seized.
An Iranian official, speaking anonymously to Al Jazeera, denied reports that Iran’s uranium stockpile would be removed from the country.
The official described such claims as “propaganda by the enemies of the deal” and said Tehran’s position had remained consistent throughout negotiations.
According to the official, Iran intends to “downblend” the enriched uranium domestically, adding that the issue would be discussed further during the next phase of talks.
Rubio said Washington viewed the current moment as an “opportunity” to secure tougher restrictions on Iran’s nuclear programme.
He also said Pakistani officials were expected to travel to Tehran, expressing cautious optimism that negotiations could advance in the coming days.
Trump also addressed Iran’s proposal to impose tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, saying the United States wanted the passage to remain open and unrestricted.
“We want it free, we don’t want tolls,” Trump said, describing the strait as an international waterway.
He claimed the US blockade had been “100 percent effective” and asserted that Washington had “total control” over the route.
Iran’s IRGC navy, however, said 31 ships had transited the strategic waterway during the previous 24 hours.
Rubio warned that any Iranian tolling system in the strait would make a US-Iran agreement unfeasible.
The secretary of state also criticised NATO allies, particularly Spain, for refusing US access to military bases during the US-Israeli war on Iran.