On April 18, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei officially denied claims from the US side about a new nuclear deal. Mr. Baghaei declared that Iran's enriched uranium reserves will "not be transferred anywhere" and this issue has never been on the negotiation agenda.
This statement is completely contrary to US President Donald Trump's previous statement on CBS News, when he affirmed that Iran has agreed to discuss all terms with the US to end the conflict.
According to Mr. Trump, Iran has agreed to transfer all of the "nuclear dust", the term he uses to refer to high-enriched uranium reserves deep underground - which were damaged after airstrikes by US B2 bombers in June 2025.
Notably, President Donald Trump described in detail the recall plan without mobilizing troops to participate in the war. He said that US personnel will work with Iran to excavate using large machines at a "spacious, pleasant speed" to bring these materials back to the US.
Mr. Trump emphasized and believed that an official document would be signed in just 1-2 days at a meeting scheduled in Pakistan. In addition to the nuclear issue, the US leader also said that Iran has agreed to stop supporting affiliated groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas.
However, the reality from Tehran shows a tough and significantly different stance. Instead of focusing on the nuclear dossier, Iran prioritizes demanding that the US completely lift the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian Parliament Speaker warned Tehran that it would re-blockade this strategic waterway if the US maritime encirclement was not removed, despite the fact that the strait has been temporarily open to commercial ships since April 17.
