Mojtaba Khamenei Delivers Sudden Address on Iran's Nuclear Programme: A Standoff With Trump
Tehran, CNBC Indonesia – The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a firm order that enriched uranium stockpiles approaching weapon-grade levels must not be shipped abroad. Citing Reuters, the move hardens Teheran’s stance on one of the United States’ key demands in peace negotiations.
A senior Iranian source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to sensitivity of the issue, confirmed the decision on Thursday (21 May 2026). Internal circles reportedly are united on the crucial issue.
‘An order from the Supreme Leader, and consensus within the institutions, is that enriched uranium stockpiles must not leave the country,’ the source said.
Iranian officials believe that sending sensitive material overseas would make the country far more vulnerable to future attacks by the United States and Israel. In Iran’s political system, Khamenei holds the final say on the most important national matters.
Currently, a fragile ceasefire persists in the conflict that began with the US-Israel assault on Iran on 28 February. After the attack, Iran retaliated by firing on Gulf states hosting US bases, triggering intense fighting between Israel and Hizballah supported by Iran in Lebanon.
However, there has yet to be a major breakthrough in peace efforts due to the United States blockade of Iranian ports and Tehran’s control over the Hormuz Strait, a vital route for global oil supplies. The situation complicates negotiations mediated by Pakistan.
Two senior Iranian sources cited deep suspicions within Tehran that the lull in fighting is a tactical ruse by Washington. The United States is suspected of deliberately creating false certainty before subsequently launching new air strikes.
Iran’s chief peace negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, also noted ominous moves by the adversary on Wednesday, suggesting that the American military is preparing new attacks.
‘Concrete and hidden actions by the enemy indicate that the Americans are preparing new strikes,’ Qalibaf said.
Separately, Trump on Wednesday also asserted that the United States is prepared to resume further attacks on Tehran if Iran does not agree to a peace deal. He, however, indicated Washington could wait a few days to obtain a proper response from the Iranian side.
Before the war, Iran signalled willingness to send half of its enriched uranium stockpile up to 60%. However, sources say the position shifted dramatically after Trump repeatedly threatened to strike Iran.
Although the situation appears at an impasse, Iranian sources say there remains a viable and sensible formula for resolving this nuclear- logistics dispute without exporting stock abroad.
There is no certainty yet about the remaining stock after the Isfahan and Natanz facilities were targeted by air attacks. Tehran insists that some highly enriched uranium remains necessary for medical purposes and its research reactor in Tehran.