Tehran, CNBC Indonesia \u2013 The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah\nMojtaba Khamenei, issued a firm order that enriched uranium stockpiles\napproaching weapon-grade levels must not be shipped abroad. Citing\nReuters, the move hardens Teheran\u2019s stance on one of the United States\u2019\nkey demands in peace negotiations.<\/p>\n
A senior Iranian source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to\nsensitivity of the issue, confirmed the decision on Thursday (21 May\n2026). Internal circles reportedly are united on the crucial issue.<\/p>\n
\u2018An order from the Supreme Leader, and consensus within the\ninstitutions, is that enriched uranium stockpiles must not leave the\ncountry,\u2019 the source said.<\/p>\n
Iranian officials believe that sending sensitive material overseas\nwould make the country far more vulnerable to future attacks by the\nUnited States and Israel. In Iran\u2019s political system, Khamenei holds the\nfinal say on the most important national matters.<\/p>\n
Currently, a fragile ceasefire persists in the conflict that began\nwith the US-Israel assault on Iran on 28 February. After the attack,\nIran retaliated by firing on Gulf states hosting US bases, triggering\nintense fighting between Israel and Hizballah supported by Iran in\nLebanon.<\/p>\n
However, there has yet to be a major breakthrough in peace efforts\ndue to the United States blockade of Iranian ports and Tehran\u2019s control\nover the Hormuz Strait, a vital route for global oil supplies. The\nsituation complicates negotiations mediated by Pakistan.<\/p>\n
Two senior Iranian sources cited deep suspicions within Tehran that\nthe lull in fighting is a tactical ruse by Washington. The United States\nis suspected of deliberately creating false certainty before\nsubsequently launching new air strikes.<\/p>\n
Iran\u2019s chief peace negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, also noted\nominous moves by the adversary on Wednesday, suggesting that the\nAmerican military is preparing new attacks.<\/p>\n
\u2018Concrete and hidden actions by the enemy indicate that the Americans\nare preparing new strikes,\u2019 Qalibaf said.<\/p>\n
Separately, Trump on Wednesday also asserted that the United States\nis prepared to resume further attacks on Tehran if Iran does not agree\nto a peace deal. He, however, indicated Washington could wait a few days\nto obtain a proper response from the Iranian side.<\/p>\n
Before the war, Iran signalled willingness to send half of its\nenriched uranium stockpile up to 60%. However, sources say the position\nshifted dramatically after Trump repeatedly threatened to strike\nIran.<\/p>\n
Although the situation appears at an impasse, Iranian sources say\nthere remains a viable and sensible formula for resolving this nuclear-\nlogistics dispute without exporting stock abroad.<\/p>\n
There is no certainty yet about the remaining stock after the Isfahan\nand Natanz facilities were targeted by air attacks. Tehran insists that\nsome highly enriched uranium remains necessary for medical purposes and\nits research reactor in Tehran.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/mojtaba-khamenei-delivers-sudden-address-on-irans-nuclear-programme-a-standoff-with-trump-1779542348", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }