Full Breakdown
Trump Says US Can Retrieve Iran’s Enriched Uranium Without Deal, but Sees No Reason to Act
6/6/2026, 7:05:40 AM
Statement on Retrieving Iran’s Enriched Uranium
President Donald Trump told reporters that U.S. forces could enter Iran to retrieve the underground stockpile of enriched uranium, but he said there is “no reason to” because the material is entombed and safe. He noted the operation would need equipment, a two-week deployment, and would expose troops to war-zone risks, so he rejected it.
Background, Key Actors, and Data
Trump’s comments came as the U.S. and Israel, whose campaign began on 28 February, press Tehran over its nuclear program. Iran holds about 440 kg of uranium enriched to 60 percent, a short step from weapons-grade. After earlier demanding a total halt to enrichment, Trump signaled on 15 May willingness to accept a 20-year suspension. Negotiators are weighing a 60-day cease-fire extension and a memorandum that would ease the U.S. naval blockade in return for restored shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan is mediating a proposed Geneva signing ceremony.
Official Statements, Responses, and Criticism
Trump said a negotiated deal could resolve the uranium issue without military action. The White House urged Pakistan to press Iran for a response by the weekend and to schedule a Geneva signing. Iran has denied seeking nuclear weapons, refused to surrender the uranium, and rejected a full end to enrichment. Israeli officials reiterated that the campaign seeks to degrade Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. Nuclear experts have urged the United States to demand removal of all enriched uranium, while U.S. officials have voiced doubts about the durability of a cease-fire amid ongoing Gulf exchanges.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Trump’s description of the uranium as “entombed” and “very safe” contrasts with expert assessments that the 60-percent material is a short step toward weapons-grade. No operational plan for a retrieval mission has been disclosed, and the timeline for any agreement remains unspecified.
Impact and Significance
The ability or inability of the United States to secure the uranium stockpile affects regional security, the credibility of U.S. diplomatic leverage, and the risk calculus for further military engagement in Iran.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I didn’t feel like being like Jimmy Carter,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “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
- “It’s not like Venezuela — like you go in, you’re there for a matter of minutes and you’re out. And everybody’s waving goodbye as you take off,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “I’d be honored to meet him.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States (referring to Mojtaba Khamenei)
What’s Next
The United States expects Iran to reply to the Pakistani-mediated request by the weekend, with a signing ceremony planned in Geneva next week; a meeting between Trump and Khamenei would depend on a finalized agreement.
