Trump Signals Tough Stance on Iran Uranium Stockpile as Nuclear Talks Show Limited Progress

U.S. President Donald Trump intensified pressure on Iran Thursday, declaring that Washington would eventually seize Tehran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile amid ongoing but fragile diplomatic negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said the United States would not allow Iran to retain uranium that Washington believes could be used to build nuclear weapons. Iran continues to insist its nuclear activities are strictly for peaceful purposes.

“We will get it. We don’t need it, we don’t want it,” Trump said, adding that the uranium stockpile would likely be destroyed once secured.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged “some good signs” in recent talks with Tehran but warned that Iran’s proposal to impose tolls on ships using the Strait of Hormuz could derail any diplomatic breakthrough. Rubio described such a move as illegal and a threat to global trade.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, previously handling nearly 20% of global oil and gas shipments. Ongoing tensions and reduced shipping traffic have fueled volatility in global oil prices and raised fears of a broader energy crisis.

According to Iranian sources cited by Reuters, negotiations have narrowed some differences, but major disputes remain unresolved. Key sticking points include uranium enrichment, sanctions relief, compensation for war damages, and Iran’s authority over the strategic waterway.

Iran’s leadership has reportedly refused to send enriched uranium abroad, signaling continued resistance to U.S. demands. Meanwhile, Tehran has warned that any renewed U.S. or Israeli military strikes would trigger retaliation beyond the Middle East.

The International Energy Agency warned that the conflict could push global energy markets into the “red zone” during peak summer demand, especially as oil supply disruptions continue.

Despite weeks of diplomacy following a fragile ceasefire, no final agreement appears imminent as both Washington and Tehran maintain firm positions on nuclear security and regional influence.