Trump Says Iran's Uranium Stockpile Could Move To US, Eyes Deal Ahead Of His China Visit

(MENAFN- Live Mint) US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday (May 6) that Washington is moving closer to a potential agreement with Iran, adding that Tehran could send its highly enriched uranium stockpile to the United States as part of the proposed arrangement.

Speaking in a phone interview with PBS, Trump expressed cautious optimism about ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the conflict between the two countries.

“Yeah, I think so, but I felt that way before with them, so we'll see what happens,” Trump said when asked whether the US was nearing a deal with Iran.

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.5 QUESTIONS1What is the proposed deal between the US and Iran regarding uranium?⌵

A potential agreement suggests Iran could send its highly enriched uranium stockpile to the United States. Iran might also agree not to operate certain underground nuclear facilities as part of the arrangement.

2What are the consequences if Iran does not agree to the proposed deal with the US?⌵

President Trump has warned that if Iran does not agree to the terms, the US will resume military action. He stated that 'if they don't agree, the bombing starts' and that it would be at a much higher level of intensity.

3Has the US paused its military escort mission in the Strait of Hormuz?⌵

Yes, the US has temporarily paused its military escort mission for commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This pause is intended to help finalize a potential agreement with Iran.

4What are Iran's concerns about the US proposal?⌵

Iran is reviewing the US proposal but has signaled that some demands are 'excessive and unrealistic.' While the proposal includes sanctions relief and a temporary enrichment freeze, Iran has rejected certain aspects.

5How might a deal between the US and Iran affect the Strait of Hormuz?⌵

If a deal is finalized, the US blockade on Iranian ports would remain, but the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened to all, including Iran. The pause in the US escort mission is also linked to these ongoing negotiations.

He added:“I think we'll have a very good chance of making a deal again. If we don't, we'll go back to our old ways.”

Trump says Iran uranium would go to US

Trump confirmed reports that a proposed deal could involve Iran transferring its highly enriched uranium abroad.

When asked whether the uranium could be exported“perhaps” to the United States, Trump replied:“No, not perhaps. It goes to the United States.”

The US President also suggested that Iran could agree not to operate certain underground nuclear facilities.

“Correct, yeah,” Trump said when asked about reports regarding restrictions on underground facilities.

“They would be operating in for goodwill for a long period of time,” he added.

However, Trump denied reports that the agreement would allow Iran to resume uranium enrichment at 3.67 percent purity later in the process.

“No, it's not part of the deal,” Trump said.

'If they don't agree, we bomb'

Despite signaling progress in negotiations, Trump warned that military action could resume if talks collapse.

“If they agree, it's over, and if they don't agree, we bomb,” Trump said during the interview.

He later added:“I think it's got a very good chance of ending, and if it doesn't end, we have to go back to bombing the hell out of them. Very simple.”

Trump says direct envoys 'unlikely'

Trump said it was unlikely he would dispatch special envoys Steve Witkoff or Jared Kushner for talks at this stage.

“Unlikely, I think we can do it here,” Trump said.

“Maybe for the final meeting, we'll have a signing someplace.”

Trump also suggested a deal could potentially be finalized before his planned trip to China next week.

“It's possible, yeah,” he said.“It would be ideal.”

Strait of Hormuz operation paused

Trump's remarks came a day after he announced that the US would temporarily pause its military escort mission for commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said the operation was suspended because negotiations were progressing.

The US President said the pause could help finalize an agreement while maintaining broader pressure on Iran through continued restrictions and blockades.

Trump dismisses fears over oil prices

Trump also addressed concerns about rising energy prices triggered by the conflict and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.

“We have 1,000 boats that are loaded up with oil that can't, you know, go anywhere,” Trump said.

“When that happens, it's gonna be an oil rush.”

He argued that predictions of a massive oil spike and stock market collapse had failed to materialize.

“A lot of people predicted that oil is gonna go up to $300, $350 [a barrel],” Trump said.

“Well, it's less than $100 right now.”

Trump maintained that the conflict was necessary to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

“It's worth it that they not have a nuclear weapon,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Trump posted a similar warning on his Truth Social platform, saying the US military campaign against Iran would end if Tehran accepted the proposed terms.

“Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end,” Trump wrote.

He added:“If they don't agree, the bombing starts.”

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