US President Donald Trump stated on the 25th that Iran's "enriched uranium must be immediately handed over to the US to be transported home and destroyed," or better yet, coordinated with Iran to be destroyed on-site or at another acceptable location, with the process witnessed by relevant agencies. Trump reiterated during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington that Iran cannot be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. Later that evening, he posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling for the destruction of the uranium. Reports indicate that Iran's chief negotiator and foreign minister have arrived in Doha, Qatar, to discuss a potential agreement with the US to end the three-month-long war. An official familiar with the delegation's trip told Reuters that the discussions are focused on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The Governor of the Central Bank of Iran is also accompanying the delegation to discuss the potential unfreezing of Iranian funds as part of the agreement. Since the US and Israel launched the war against Iran on February 28, Iran has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz. With Pakistan mediating, the parties entered a fragile temporary ceasefire on April 8. Before the war, one-fifth of the world's oil and gas passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

FACT BOX

  • Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
  • Category: diplomacy