Iran Asserts No Plans to Transfer Enriched Uranium to the U.S.

April 18, 2026

Tehran, April 18: Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ismail Baghaei, has firmly stated that the country will not transfer its enriched uranium to any other nation, emphasizing that sending it to the United States was never an option.

Speaking on the state-run IRIB TV channel, Baghaei clarified that recent comments made by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif were made in the context of the ceasefire established between Iran and the U.S. on April 8. He stressed that these remarks did not indicate any new negotiations or improvements in relations.

According to the Xinhua news agency, Zarif had previously stated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain fully open for commercial vessels during the current ceasefire.

Baghaei explained that the foreign minister’s statements meant that, following the ceasefire in Lebanon, Tehran had implemented a safe passage arrangement for vessels under the agreement made with Washington.

He stated, “No new agreement has been reached. The same agreement announced on April 8 remains in effect.”

Baghaei accused the U.S. of failing to adhere to this agreement from the outset, particularly regarding its commitment to enforce it in Lebanon. However, both the U.S. and Israel have denied these allegations.

He warned that if the U.S. continues its naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran would take retaliatory measures. He also noted that there have been no discussions about extending the ceasefire, and the mediation efforts led by Pakistan are focused on ending the conflict and safeguarding Iran’s interests.

Since February 28, Iran has strengthened its hold over the Strait, closing safe passage for vessels linked to Israel and the U.S. due to their coordinated attacks on Iran.

In response, the U.S. imposed its own blockade, preventing vessels from entering or leaving Iranian ports through this route. This action was taken after peace talks in Islamabad failed. Reports suggest that a second round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran is expected to take place in Pakistan this week, possibly on Sunday.