A senior Iranian source said on Sunday that Tehran had not agreed to hand over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, rejecting reports suggesting such a commitment formed part of ongoing understandings with the United States.
According to the source, Iran’s nuclear programme was not included in the preliminary agreement reached between Tehran and Washington. The official added that discussions related to uranium enrichment and nuclear material would instead take place during future negotiations aimed at securing a final agreement.
The nuclear issue will be addressed in negotiations for a final agreement and are therefore not part of the current deal. The official further clarified that Iran had made no commitment to transfer or export its highly enriched uranium reserves outside the country.
The statement came amid continued diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States following months of regional tensions and indirect contacts. Reports had earlier suggested that both sides were exploring confidence-building measures linked to Iran’s nuclear activities as part of broader discussions.
However, the Iranian source insisted that no understanding currently existed regarding the shipment of uranium stockpiles abroad. Tehran has repeatedly maintained that its nuclear programme serves peaceful purposes and remains within its national rights.
Meanwhile, Western governments have continued expressing concern over Iran’s expanding uranium enrichment activities, particularly the accumulation of material enriched to levels close to weapons-grade purity. The issue remains one of the central disputes between Tehran and Washington in attempts to revive diplomatic engagement.
Although both countries have signalled interest in reducing tensions, negotiations on sensitive nuclear matters are expected to remain complex. Analysts believe future talks could focus on sanctions relief, uranium enrichment limits and international monitoring measures as part of any long-term agreement.
