Sources close to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said no negotiations on nuclear material transfer have taken place, contradicting US statements of a breakthrough.
BY PC Bureau
April 17, 2026: Iran has strongly dismissed fresh claims from Donald Trump that it has agreed to transfer its stockpile of enriched uranium to the United States, with officials in Tehran insisting that no such proposal has even been discussed in ongoing negotiations.
Media reports quoting a source close to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated unequivocally that “no form of nuclear material transfer to America has been negotiated,” directly challenging Trump’s assertion of a breakthrough. Another Iranian official went further, branding the claim “false” and stressing that talks have yet to produce any meaningful progress. According to the source, any continuation of dialogue hinges on Washington meeting Iran’s undisclosed conditions.
READ: Ladakh’s Apricot Exports Mark Big Global Boost
Trump Signals Imminent Deal
The pushback follows remarks by Trump, who suggested that a deal between Washington and Tehran was within reach after weeks of heightened tensions. Speaking at the White House, he claimed Iran had agreed to hand over what he described as “nuclear dust,” referring to enriched uranium that could potentially be used in weapons development.
Trump said there was a “very good chance” of finalising an agreement soon and even hinted at a possible visit to Islamabad if a deal materialises there—an indication of how advanced he believes the negotiations to be.
Hardline on Nuclear Limits
Reiterating his core demand, Trump said any agreement must permanently prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He rejected temporary arrangements, such as time-bound limits on uranium enrichment, insisting instead on long-term restrictions.
“The big thing we have to do is make sure that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon,” he said, warning of serious global consequences if that objective is not achieved. He also claimed Iran had responded positively and “very powerfully” to these conditions.
Tehran Urges Caution
Despite Washington’s optimistic tone, Iranian officials maintain that talks remain inconclusive. Key sticking points—including any discussion around uranium transfers—have not been resolved, they said, suggesting that US statements may be overstating the current state of diplomacy.
Iran has also reiterated that progress depends on the US fulfilling specific conditions, the details of which have not been publicly disclosed.
The starkly different accounts underline the fragile state of US-Iran negotiations. While the US side is projecting momentum toward a deal, Iran’s response signals that significant disagreements remain, leaving the outcome uncertain.
