Iran has refused to transfer its stocks of enriched uranium to another country, even in the event of reaching an agreement with the United States. Tehran considers this a firm “red line” in the ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict. Washington, meanwhile, is adamant about addressing Iran’s nuclear program and preventing Tehran from acquiring the capability to build a nuclear weapon. These opposing positions continue to hamper efforts for a lasting diplomatic deal.
Tehran rejects foreign transfer of nuclear material
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran sees no reason to move its reserves of highly enriched uranium abroad. His statement comes amid indirect discussions between Iran and the United States brokered by third parties.
The Iranian side says handing over its nuclear material is not acceptable as part of any deal. Tehran also maintains that it continues indirect dialogue with Washington through diplomatic mediators.
Russia has previously been named as a possible destination for a uranium transfer, but Iran has rejected this possibility.
A similar position was reiterated by Mohsen Rezaee, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, who stated that Iran will not remove even the smallest amount of enriched nuclear material from its territory.
US demands resolution of nuclear program
The United States views Iran’s nuclear program as one of the most critical issues in negotiations. President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that Washington will not allow Tehran to acquire a nuclear weapon.
The US administration insists that any agreement must include concrete commitments regarding uranium enrichment, stockpiles of nuclear material, and international inspections.
The discrepancy between the positions of the two countries is stark: Iran rejects exporting its uranium reserves, while the United States demands guarantees that the material cannot be used for weapon development.
The fate of Iran’s highly enriched uranium could ultimately determine the possibility of a broader deal. Without compromise on this issue, chances for ending the conflict remain limited.
International inspectors lack access to all facilities
The dispute also extends to monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Iranian spokesperson claims the country continues to cooperate with the agency, noting that its inspectors recently visited the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
However, Tehran states that inspections of other nuclear facilities are complicated. Iran argues that ongoing military attacks on its nuclear infrastructure and continued threats from the US do not create clear conditions for inspections.
For Washington, the ability to verify the extent of Iran’s nuclear program is essential. According to US requirements, without independent oversight, it will be difficult to gain confidence that Tehran is adhering to any agreements.
Hormuz Strait and sanctions remain key obstacles
The nuclear program is not the only sticking point between Iran and the United States. Tehran has linked the resumption of talks and reopening the strategic Hormuz Strait to fulfilling several of its demands.
These conditions include lifting US sanctions, ending the blockade of Iranian ports, releasing frozen financial assets, and payment of war reparations. Iran also calls for an end to hostile actions on all fronts.
According to Iranian officials, the country has prepared a proposal that has reached the United States via Qatar. However, Tehran insists on its demands as a prerequisite for further progress.
Washington, by contrast, insists that the nuclear program be addressed at the very start of negotiations. Both sides have divergent views on the sequence of steps and the final form of any agreement.
Talks continue but agreement remains uncertain
Diplomatic contacts between Tehran and Washington are ongoing through intermediaries, particularly Qatar. Other regional countries are also engaged in efforts to ease tensions.
So far, however, there is no confirmation that either side has reached an agreement to end the conflict. Iran remains firm on its conditions and refuses to concede on the transfer of enriched uranium. The United States, meanwhile, will not accept a solution that it believes fails to provide sufficient assurances against nuclear weapon development.
The outcome of negotiations will have implications not only for Middle Eastern security but also for global energy markets. Before the conflict, a significant share of the world’s oil supply passed through the Hormuz Strait. Any long-term restrictions could impact energy prices and international trade.
SEE ALSO
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
