The United States has escalated its demands for Iran to relinquish its stockpile of enriched uranium, making it a pivotal condition for resolving the ongoing conflict. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized in a recent interview that transferring this uranium to the US remains a non-negotiable element in the peace negotiations.
Leavitt highlighted that preventing Iran from retaining enriched uranium is considered a strict “red line” by Washington. This demand forms part of wider diplomatic efforts aimed at ending hostilities, with US officials arguing that removing Iran’s uranium reserves would drastically lower the risk of nuclear weapons development.
Discussions reportedly include potential agreements where Iran would surrender its enriched uranium in return for certain concessions, although the specifics are still being negotiated. Nevertheless, Iran has consistently rejected these demands, asserting its sovereign right to maintain a peaceful nuclear program and refusing to transfer uranium abroad.
Despite these persistent disagreements, diplomatic channels remain open as both parties continue to explore possible solutions. The uranium issue remains one of the most sensitive and critical points in the proposed peace framework.
In a related development, Iran announced it seized two container ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, following attacks on them and a third vessel. This marks the first such incident since the conflict involving the US and Israel began earlier this year.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy conducted the operation, warning that any threats to security in this vital waterway would be treated as a “red line.” The seized vessels, the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and Liberia-flagged Epaminondas, were accused of operating without proper authorization and interfering with navigation systems.
The Epaminondas reportedly came under fire approximately 20 nautical miles northwest of Oman, sustaining damage to its bridge from gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades. Greek operator Technomar Shipping confirmed that all 21 crew members aboard were unharmed.
