Full Breakdown
Trump Says U.S. Can Extract Iran’s Enriched Uranium Without a Deal
6/6/2026, 1:42:19 AM
Core Claim: Extraction Feasibility and Rationale
President Donald Trump told reporters that the United States could retrieve Iran’s buried highly-enriched uranium “right now” and that there is “no reason to” do so because the material is “entombed” and under continuous camera surveillance. He said the sites could be destroyed if necessary, but that sending troops would be risky: “It’s not like Venezuela … you have to be there for two weeks, you need massive equipment.” Trump added that the operation would be possible without Tehran’s consent, though he preferred a negotiated arrangement.
Background: War, Ceasefire, and Nuclear Negotiations
The U.S.–Israel campaign against Iran began on 28 February 2026, targeting nuclear and missile facilities. A U.S.-led ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was announced in April, creating “pilot zones” for the Lebanese army and demanding Hezbollah’s evacuation south of the Litani River. Simultaneously, Washington has pursued a separate diplomatic track with Tehran, mediated by Pakistan, to end the broader conflict and address Iran’s nuclear program.
Data on Iran’s Enriched Uranium Stockpile
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports indicate Iran possesses roughly 440 kg of uranium enriched to 60 percent, a short step from weapons-grade material. The IAEA has been unable to inspect Iran’s underground sites since the June 2025 strikes, leaving the exact location and condition of the stockpile unverified.
Official U.S. Statements & Responses
- Trump repeatedly asserted that the United States could remove the uranium “in the near future” and that Iran had “agreed” in principle to a coordinated extraction.
- The State Department announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a ceasefire conditional on a complete halt to Hezbollah fire and the establishment of Lebanese-army-controlled zones.
- U.S. officials conveyed to Pakistan a demand for an Iranian reply by the weekend and a signing ceremony in Geneva the following week.
- Trump said he would be “honored” to meet Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and would be “respectful” if a deal led to such a meeting.
Opposition and Criticism
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem denounced the ceasefire plan as “a roadmap for the annihilation of a section of the Lebanese people,” pledging continued resistance. Iranian officials have publicly rejected claims of progress, insisting that Tehran has not consented to uranium removal or to any concessions on enrichment. Iran also demands an end to Israeli strikes in Lebanon as a precondition for any agreement on the Strait of Hormuz.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Uranium removal: Trump claims Iran has agreed; Iranian spokespeople deny any such concession.
- Negotiation status: U.S. officials describe talks as “going very well” and potentially concluding over a weekend, while Iranian media report “no tangible progress.”
- Technical feasibility: Trump emphasizes U.S. capability, whereas nuclear experts note that extracting 60 %-enriched uranium from collapsed underground facilities would require extensive equipment and weeks of work.
- Verification: The IAEA cannot confirm the quantity or location of the material, leaving the premise of “entombed” uranium unsubstantiated.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We could get it right now. I don't think they could stop us if we wanted, but there's no reason to. It's entombed,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “If it happened ... I'd be respectful.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “As long as the occupation exists, the resistance will continue,” — Naim Qassem, Hezbollah leader
- “We’re the only ones with that kind of equipment that’s powerful enough to go down that deep into a mountain, but that mountain crushed it.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “We're going to win one way or another,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
What’s Next
U.S. officials expect a possible signing ceremony in Geneva within days, while Trump has signaled that a weekend breakthrough could occur. Iran’s demand that Israeli attacks cease in Lebanon remains a sticking point, and both Washington and Tehran have hinted that China could play a limited technical role in any future uranium extraction. The durability of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire and the ability of the IAEA to resume inspections will shape the trajectory of the nuclear negotiations.
