Washington, USA — After saying this week that he is willing to give Iran a “limited period of time” for a possible peace deal, United States President Donald Trump once again stressed his key condition.
Trump has since then reiterated that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons.
And now, the issue remains at the center of his statements.
During a press conference at the White House on Thursday U.S. time, Trump vowed that the United States would seize Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Uranium is a critical material used in the development of nuclear weapons.
According to reports, Iran is believed to possess around 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium.
The US President said Washington intends to destroy the material once it is secured to ensure that Tehran can no longer use it.
Trump also clarified that the move is not for America’s own interest, saying the United States does not need the uranium.
He did not explain how the operation would be carried out amid the still fragile ceasefire.
Trump’s remarks came after a Reuters report stating that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, allegedly ordered that the country’s uranium must not be sent abroad.
Meanwhile, on the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump also expressed opposition to formally imposing charging tolls on vessels passing through the route.
This came after he was asked about reports that Iran and Oman were discussing the matter.
At the same time, the US President again insisted that the United States still maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz through its ongoing blockade.