Full Breakdown
Trump Says U.S. Will Secure Iran’s Enriched Uranium as One-Page Deal Nears
5/7/2026, 12:19:47 AM
Core Claim: Trump’s Uranium Announcement
President Donald Trump told reporters on May 6 that the United States “is going to get” Iran’s highly-enriched uranium stockpile. He repeated the line, “It goes to the United States,” while linking the claim to a pending one-page memorandum that would end the Gulf war.
Background & Context
The conflict began with joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on Feb 28 2026 and escalated into a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, restricting roughly 20 percent of global oil shipments. A ceasefire was announced on April 7, but commercial escorts under “Project Freedom” continued until Trump paused the operation on May 5, citing progress in negotiations.
Key Figures & Groups
- Donald Trump – U.S. President, primary public voice.
- Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner – Trump’s envoys, reportedly drafting the memorandum.
- Marco Rubio – U.S. Secretary of State, announced the end of Operation Epic Fury.
- Benjamin Netanyahu – Israeli Prime Minister, coordinated with the White House.
- Abbas Araghchi – Iranian foreign minister, conveyed Tehran’s stance to Chinese officials.
- Ebrahim Rezaei and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf – Iranian parliamentary spokespeople opposing the U.S. proposal.
- Pakistani military chief Gen. Asim Munir – Mediator facilitating talks.
Timeline of Recent Developments
- Feb 28 – U.S. and Israel launch airstrikes, start war.
- Apr 7 – Ceasefire announced, but Hormuz blockade persists.
- May 5 – Trump pauses “Project Freedom” escort mission.
- May 6 – Trump declares U.S. will obtain Iran’s enriched uranium; PBS interview and Reuters reports detail the emerging memorandum.
- May 6-7 – U.S. expects Tehran’s response within 48 hours.
Data & Statistics
- Iran holds > 900 lb (? 408 kg) of 60 %-enriched uranium, with some reports citing 450 kg (992 lb).
- The draft memorandum contains 14 points, including a 30-day negotiation window and a moratorium on enrichment for 12-20 years.
- After the pause, Brent crude fell 1.2 % to $108.60 per barrel; WTI fell 1.2 % to $101.06.
- Kpler recorded only 1 commodity vessel transiting the strait on May 5, down from ? 120 daily before the war.
Why It Matters
Securing the uranium would address U.S. concerns about Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, while lifting sanctions and reopening Hormuz could stabilize global oil markets. The deal also tests U.S.–Israeli coordination and the influence of Pakistani mediation.
Official Statements & Responses
- Trump: “We’re going to get it… If they agree, it’s over; if they don’t, we bomb.”
- Rubio: Declared Operation Epic Fury over and emphasized focus on diplomatic resolution.
- Netanyahu: Asserted “full coordination” with the U.S. and denied surprise at the talks.
- Araghchi: Said Tehran will accept a “fair and comprehensive agreement” protecting Iran’s rights.
- Rezaei: Dismissed the U.S. proposal as an “American wish list.”
Criticism & Opposition
Iranian parliamentarians warned the plan threatens national cohesion and called the blockade “economic pressure.” Israeli officials expressed concern that the memorandum lacks a clause limiting Iran’s ballistic-missile range. U.S. analysts noted past negotiations have collapsed at the final stage, and market observers cautioned that the uranium transfer remains unverified.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the uranium’s destination: some say it will go to the United States, others note “surprising openness” to a third-country transfer. The length of the enrichment moratorium is reported as 12-20 years, with Iran proposing 5 years. Whether the deal permits post-moratorium enrichment to 3.67 % is disputed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re going to get it,” — Donald Trump, White House event.
- “[a]ssuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran. If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before.” — Donald Trump, Truth Social.
- “we don't need to write the agreement itself in one day.” — Marco Rubio, press briefing.
- “The enemy, in its new design, is seeking, through a naval blockade, economic pressure and media manipulation, to destroy the country’s cohesion to force us to surrender,” — Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Telegram voice message.
What’s Next
U.S. officials expect Tehran’s answer within 48 hours. If accepted, a signing ceremony could occur in Islamabad or Geneva before Trump’s planned China visit. Failure to reach consensus may trigger a resumption of the Hormuz blockade and renewed air strikes, as warned by the president.
