"We will get it... we're not going to let them have it": Trump vows to seize Iran's nuclear stockpile, slams Hormuz toll plan
Washington, DC, May 21
US President Donald Trump on Thursday declared that Washington would eventually recover Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, intensifying pressure on Tehran even as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continue.
Speaking at the White House, Trump asserted that the United States would not allow Iran to retain near-weapons-grade nuclear material, which American officials believe was hidden underground following US and Israeli airstrikes nearly a year ago.
Underscoring Washington's determination to neutralise Tehran's nuclear capabilities, Trump told reporters, "We will get it. We don't need it, we don't want it. We'll probably destroy it after we get it, but we're not going to let them have it."
Iran is believed to possess around 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium, considered sufficient for potential weapons development if further refined. Retrieving or neutralising the stockpile remains a central objective of Trump's military and diplomatic strategy towards Tehran.
Amid highly volatile and fragile diplomatic engagements between Tehran and Washington, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered that the stockpile of enriched uranium 'should not leave the country," rejecting the US President Donald Trump's key demand in ongoing peace talks, Reuters reported, quoting two Iranian sources.
The dispute over Iran's nuclear programme has also expanded into growing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil shipping routes.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that any Iranian attempt to impose a tolling system on vessels passing through the Strait would make a diplomatic agreement impossible.
Condemning the proposed transit fees, Rubio said, "No one in the world is in favour of the tolling system. It can't happen. It would be unacceptable," further characterising the move as "a threat to the world" and "completely illegal."
Trump also rejected the proposal, saying the US wanted the waterway to remain open and free for international navigation. Referring to the strategic channel, the US President stated, "We want it free, we don't want tolls. It's international, it's an international waterway."
The comments come as the US continues enforcing a naval blockade in the region. Trump claimed the blockade had been "100 per cent effective" and described it as a "steel wall" preventing vessels from moving freely through the strategic corridor.
However, contesting Washington's claims of total control, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy stated that 31 ships had transited through the Strait of Hormuz during the past 24 hours, according to a report by the Tasnim news agency, underscoring the continuing contest over control and access in the Gulf.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, US officials indicated that negotiations with Tehran were still underway. Rubio said there had been "some progress" in talks aimed at ending the US-Israeli war with Iran, although he cautioned against excessive optimism.
The US Secretary of State also noted a visit by Pakistan's army chief to Tehran in relation to ongoing diplomatic efforts, remarking, "Hopefully that'll advance this further."
The latest exchanges reflect the dual-track strategy pursued by Washington in recent months, maintaining military pressure on Iran while simultaneously attempting to secure a broader diplomatic settlement covering Tehran's nuclear programme, regional influence, and maritime activity.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm tired of seeing the US throw its weight around in the Middle East. Iran has legitimate security concerns, and we in India understand that - we've lived with hostile neighbors for decades. The tolling system at Hormuz might be aggressive, but sovereignty over territorial waters is a real thing. Pakistan's army chief being involved in diplomacy is interesting though - saare khel hote rahte hain... 🙄
Trump's rhetoric aside, 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium is no joke. If that falls into the wrong hands or gets further refined, we're looking at a regional arms race that could drag in everyone from Saudi to Israel to even Pakistan. India needs to tread carefully here - our energy security depends on stable Gulf shipping lanes, but we also can't afford another nuclear flashpoint next door.
The US claims "100% effective" blockade while Iran's Revolutionary Guard says 31 ships passed through in 24 hours. Koi to jhooth bol raha hai! 😂 This is why India should push for multilateral diplomacy through the UN or even the SCO instead of relying on Washington's version of events. We have good relations with both Iran and the US - time to use that leverage to de-escalate before things get messy.
I'm no fan of Iran's leadership, but does anyone else find it rich that Trump is talking about "international waterways" and "freedom of navigation" while his administration has been slapping tariffs on everyone and threatening allies? The Hormuz toll idea is bad, but so is a US blockade that effectively gives Washington control over global oil prices. India should be diversifying its energy sources and pushing for neutral arbitration.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.