Trump says Iran may hand over enriched uranium

Donald Trump has said the United States is close to a nuclear deal with Iran that could see Tehran hand over its enriched uranium, as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt global energy supply.

Speaking on Thursday, Donald Trump said Washington and Tehran were “very close” to reaching an agreement, adding that Iran had agreed to return what he described as “nuclear dust”, referring to its stockpile of enriched uranium. However, he provided no details of the proposed transfer, and Iranian authorities have not publicly confirmed such a commitment.

The developments come amid heightened geopolitical tensions that have directly affected global oil markets. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route carrying around one fifth of the world’s crude oil, has been disrupted following military escalation involving the United States and Israel.

Brent North Sea crude rose by more than three percent to around 98 dollars a barrel, reflecting market concerns over supply constraints and the risk of prolonged disruption.

Washington has warned it could resume airstrikes and maintain a naval blockade of Iranian ports if a deal is not reached. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that if Iran “chooses poorly”, it would face attacks on infrastructure including power and energy facilities.

Iran’s representatives have indicated cautious optimism about ongoing negotiations. Tehran’s ambassador to the United Nations said the country was hopeful of a “meaningful outcome”, although Iranian officials have maintained that their nuclear programme is peaceful and that the right to enrich uranium is “indisputable”, even if levels of enrichment could be negotiated.

The United States is reportedly seeking a long-term suspension of Iran’s enrichment activities, while Tehran has proposed a shorter five year pause, which Washington has rejected.

At the same time, regional tensions remain volatile. A temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has come into effect, although exchanges of fire were reported shortly before it began. Hezbollah said it would respect the truce if Israeli strikes stopped.

Diplomatic efforts are continuing, with Pakistan facilitating talks between Washington and Tehran. A previous round of negotiations ended without agreement, and no date has been set for the next meeting.

The United States has also intensified economic pressure by imposing fresh sanctions on Iran’s oil sector and enforcing a maritime blockade. US Central Command said it had effectively halted maritime trade involving Iran by turning back vessels from its ports.

Iranian military officials have warned of escalation if restrictions continue. Senior commander Ali Abdollahi said Iran would not allow trade to continue through key waterways, including the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Red Sea, under sustained pressure.

The situation has raised broader concerns about energy security, with analysts warning that prolonged disruption i