Iran won't budge on enriched uranium program that's a sticking point for peace negotiations: report

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei's directive to retain that supply will likely impede an end to the conflict.

Published: May 21, 2026 9:27am

Iran's supreme leader reportedly won't consider removing the country's supply of enriched uranium, a key Trump administration requirement in negotiations to end the United States' war with the Middle East country.

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei's directive to retain that supply will likely impede an end to the conflict, according to Reuters.

The United States launched a war on Iran on Feb. 28 following failed efforts to get Iran to end its program to enrich uranium to develop a nuclear warhead. 

Iran's top officials say removing the material will leave the country vulnerable to attacks from the U.S. and Israel, which also joined the U.S. in air attacks starting Feb. 28.

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