Trump Threatens Iran Over 'Nuclear Dust', Demands Immediate Uranium Destruction

US President Donald Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to Iran regarding enriched uranium, which he refers to as ‘nuclear dust’. Amid claims that peace negotiations are drawing closer, Trump stated that Tehran has only two options: hand over the material to the US or destroy it. The latest statement, reported by Anadolu Agency on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, was made by Trump on his social media platform Truth Social on Monday, 25 May local time. The ultimatum came as talks aimed at reaching a peace agreement to end the war reportedly entered a critical phase. ‘Enriched uranium (’Nuclear Dust!’) must be handed over to the United States to be taken away and destroyed, or preferably, destroyed on-site or at another acceptable location in coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, with the Atomic Energy Commission or equivalent body witnessing the process,’ Trump stated. Iran’s high-enriched uranium and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remain among the most contentious issues in the indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran, mediated by Pakistan. US media, including the New York Times (NYT), citing Washington officials, previously reported that the US and Iran had reached a preliminary agreement in principle to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran’s commitment to destroy its high-enriched uranium as part of the deal. However, Iran has denied claims that a deal with Washington is imminent. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that while discussions have resolved many issues, it would be inaccurate to suggest a final agreement is near. ‘It is true that we have reached conclusions on most issues under discussion. But to say this means a signing is imminent—no one can make such a claim,’ Baghaei said during a weekly press conference in Tehran. Pakistan Claims Deal Is Nearly Final Amid ongoing negotiations, Pakistan, as the conflict mediator, continues to push for peace. Military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that the US-Iran deal is ‘nearly concluded’. Munir made the remarks during a meeting in Beijing on Monday, 25 May, coinciding with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to China. Before flying to Beijing, Munir visited Tehran last week to encourage a peace agreement to end the conflict that has raged since late February. During talks in Beijing, Munir stated Pakistan is prepared to ‘continue all efforts’ to facilitate the deal, and expressed hope that China would play a larger role in the process.