Iran Rejects Trump Uranium Claims, Sets New Conditions for Negotiations

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh has officially rejected claims made by President Donald Trump regarding the U.S. seizure of enriched uranium. Contradicting the President’s assertion that the U.S. would take possession of approximately 440 kilograms of nuclear material allegedly buried under strike-damaged sites, Khatibzadeh stated that Tehran has no intention of handing over its stockpiles. On the diplomatic front, Iran has established new bottlenecks for future negotiations, insisting on a preliminary "framework agreement" before any face-to-face meetings can occur. Khatibzadeh urged the Trump administration to abandon what he characterized as "maximalist positions," signaling that the two nations remain far apart on the logistics of formalizing a resolution to the current regional tensions. Furthermore, Tehran is explicitly linking maritime security to broader regional conflicts. Iranian officials stated that any agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz must now encompass a ceasefire in Lebanon. Iran also issued a stern warning that it would take action to stop "aggressors" should Israel resume military strikes despite current ceasefire efforts. Negotiations are reportedly moving toward a formal 'new protocol' for governance of the Strait of Hormuz, moving the dialogue beyond simple passage rights toward a structured maritime framework.