Washington, May 26, 2026: U.S. PresidentDonald Trump has indicated a more flexible approach to the disposal of Iran’s enriched uranium as negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme continue, suggesting that the material could be destroyed either in the United States or at another mutually acceptable location under international supervision.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that Iran’s enriched uranium—referred to by him as “nuclear dust”—could either be transferred to the United States for destruction or be eliminated at a designated location in coordination with Iranian authorities.
“The enriched uranium will either be immediately turned over to the United States to be brought home and destroyed or, preferably, in conjunction and coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, destroyed in place or at another acceptable location,” Trump stated.
The U.S. President added that the process should take place under the observation of the international nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, or a comparable authority, to ensure transparency and verification.
Shift in U.S. Position
Trump’s remarks are being viewed by observers as a notable adjustment in Washington’s stance. In previous statements, he had repeatedly emphasized that Iran should surrender its enriched uranium stockpile to the United States as a key condition for any future nuclear agreement.
The latest comments suggest greater openness to alternative arrangements, provided that the material is verifiably destroyed and monitored by international inspectors. Analysts believe such flexibility could help bridge differences in ongoing diplomatic discussions, where the handling of enriched uranium remains one of the most sensitive issues.
Central Issue in Nuclear Negotiations
Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium has long been at the center of international concerns regarding its nuclear programme. Western powers have sought assurances that the material cannot be diverted for military purposes, while Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear activities are intended for peaceful civilian use.
The disposal, transfer, or neutralization of enriched uranium is widely regarded as a critical element of any future agreement aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear capabilities and easing regional tensions.
Role of International Oversight
Trump’s reference to supervision by the IAEA underscores the importance of independent verification in any potential arrangement. The Vienna-based agency has traditionally played a central role in monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities and ensuring compliance with international commitments.
Diplomatic observers note that allowing the destruction of uranium under international oversight, whether inside Iran or at a neutral location, could provide a compromise acceptable to multiple parties involved in the negotiations.
Diplomatic Implications
The President’s latest comments come amid continued efforts to revive diplomatic engagement on the Iranian nuclear issue. While significant differences remain between Tehran and Washington, the willingness to consider multiple options for uranium disposal may be viewed as an attempt to keep negotiations moving forward.
Whether the proposal gains traction will depend on responses from Iranian officials, international partners, and the IAEA. For now, Trump’s remarks signal that the United States may be prepared to explore alternatives to direct transfer, provided that the ultimate objective of eliminating the enriched uranium stockpile is achieved under credible international supervision.
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