Khamenei’s hardline stance: No uranium concessions

The issue of enriched uranium remains one of the primary points of contention between the US and Iran, stalling progress in negotiations and the peace process. The United States demands that the Iranian side abandon the development of its nuclear program and surrender its existing stockpiles of enriched uranium. Tehran maintains that the program is peaceful and focused on energy development; however, it has accumulated approximately 440 kg (970 lbs) of uranium enriched to a level exceeding civilian requirements. Such an amount would potentially allow for the construction of about 10 nuclear devices.

For some time, there has been no official stance from the Supreme Leader regarding the ongoing conflict. As Reuters emphasises, Khamenei’s newly issued order „signals a hardening of Tehran’s position and could further complicate talks on ending the war between the US, Israel, and Iran.” Iranian officials believe that relinquishing the uranium would expose the nation to future attacks from the United States and Israel. They also contend, as reported by Reuters, that the pause in hostilities was a tactical deception by Washington, intended to lull the authorities into a false sense of security before resuming airstrikes.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains that he will not consider the war over until the enriched uranium is removed from Iran, Tehran ends its support for anti-Israeli militias (including Hezbollah), and Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities are eliminated.

US President Donald Trump continues the narrative of readiness to resume strikes on Tehran if Iran does not accept American peace terms. At the same time, he notes that Washington might hold off on attacks to „receive the right answers” from the Iranian side.