US President Donald Trump stated on June 4 in Washington that the United States could seize Iran’s uranium reserves if it wished, though he described such an action as unreasonable. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Iran would be unable to stop the US if it decided to take control of the uranium stockpile, but he saw no need for such a move. He also indicated openness to meeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei if a peace agreement were reached.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran possesses 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity. The US accuses Tehran of secretly advancing its nuclear weapons program under the guise of peaceful research, while Iran insists its nuclear activities are for civilian purposes. The location of the enriched uranium remains unknown, and Washington has demanded that Tehran hand it over.

The report notes that a US military operation launched in Iran on February 28 was partly aimed at securing this uranium, underscoring the ongoing nuclear tensions between the two nations.