Donald Trump revealed his plans for Iran‘s “nuclear dust” as both nations edge closer to a historic peace deal. The president outlined multiple options for destroying Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile amid ongoing negotiations in Qatar.
Donald Trump posts about Iran’s uranium
President Trump outlined options for disposing of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile on Truth Social on Monday. Trump stated the enriched uranium would “either be immediately turned over to the United States to be brought home and destroyed.”
He added it could “preferably, in conjunction and coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, destroyed in place.” Trump also suggested an “acceptable location, with the Atomic Energy Commission, or its equivalent, being witness to this process.”
The U.S. has long demanded Iran dismantle its nuclear program entirely. This issue remains a sticking point during ongoing talks in Qatar. Both sides are closing in on a deal to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump has used the term “nuclear dust” to describe enriched uranium since February. He previously considered deploying ground troops to remove the material from Iran. House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed this language during a Fox News appearance on Sunday.
“We’ll take care of the nuclear dust,” Johnson said. “We’ll get the Strait of Hormuz reopened, which will be great for gas prices here.” He added this showed “regional allies are following U.S. leadership under President Trump” (via The Hill).
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei pushed back on Monday. He stated the nuclear material “has not been part of the talks.” Baqaei clarified the “focus of the negotiations is on ending the war and at this stage.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told state television his country was “ready to assure the world that we are not after a nuclear weapon.” Other Iranian officials have maintained the nuclear program serves peaceful purposes only.
U.S. forces previously struck two Iranian nuclear facilities in March. The Ardakan yellowcake plant in Yazd and the Shahid Khondab Heavy Water Complex in Arak were both targeted.
