Iran rejects moving enriched uranium abroad as US adds sanctions
One Turn followed this story across 3 editions, from Brussels, Belgium on October 17, 2026. Newest first.
Iran's nuclear program has been at the center of disputes with the US and Israel for two decades. US and Israeli strikes on Iran began earlier this year.
Iran's security council secretary said no enriched uranium would leave the country, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he wants to overthrow Iran's government. The US Treasury sanctioned five individuals, four entities and nine vessels, and Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they would soon unveil a new weapon.
Why it matters: The stance on uranium is a central obstacle to any deal ending the regional war.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Russia and Iran have "never" worked so closely after hosting Sergey Lavrov in Tehran. Iran's security chief Mohsen Rezaei told visiting Pakistani army chief Asim Munir that no enriched uranium would leave the country. Officials cited by the Japan Times said Tehran is prolonging talks with Washington.
Why it matters: Iran's position on its enriched uranium is a central obstacle to ending the conflict with the US.
At an EU summit in Brussels, Ukraine's president asked European leaders for an additional €70 billion to fund the war effort. EU leaders reaffirmed their support as relations between Kyiv and the Trump administration deteriorate over Starlink restrictions and a US diesel deal with Russia.