Trump Demands Iran Destroy Uranium for Peace Deal

The United States and Iran are negotiating a peace deal to end a conflict that began with US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, 2026. Donald Trump has mandated a no dust, no dollars policy, requiring Iran to surrender or destroy approximately 1,000 pounds of highly enriched uranium before receiving sanctions relief. Trump proposed several options for the nuclear material, including destruction in place or transfer to the U.S. or a third party like China or Russia, witnessed by the Atomic Energy Commission.

Concurrent with these talks, the United States Central Command conducted self-defense strikes on May 25 against missile sites and mine-laying boats in southern Iran, specifically in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Jask. These military actions occurred while an Iranian delegation, led by Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, met with mediators in Qatar. A draft memorandum of understanding involves a 60-day ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days, and an end to military operations in Lebanon.

Negotiations remain deadlocked over the sequencing of financial relief. Iran is demanding the release of roughly $12 billion of its $24 billion in frozen assets as a prerequisite for meaningful talks. Conversely, the Trump administration asserts that the U.S. will maintain control of the funds until Iran behaves properly and eliminates its nuclear threat. While Iranian officials and the Tasnim news agency acknowledge progress on some issues, they have denied reports that Iran has already committed to removing nuclear materials from its soil.