Iran Rejects US Demand for Entire Enriched Uranium Stockpile Amid Sanctions Deadline

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the United States demanded Iran hand over its entire stockpile of enriched uranium in exchange for a three-month suspension of sanctions, a proposal he deemed "unacceptable." This demand comes amid increasing tensions over Iran's nuclear program, with Tehran's uranium enriched up to 60 percent reportedly growing to around 440.9 kilograms. The UN nuclear watchdog has noted insufficient progress from Iran, leading to the reimposition of sanctions after claims by Western powers. Pezeshkian underscored Iran's stance that it does not seek nuclear weapons and accused the US and Israel of using pressure tactics to destabilize the Islamic Republic. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized threats posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions and ballistic missile developments, asserting that Israel has actively worked to dismantle Iran-backed groups and their military capabilities. Despite diplomatic efforts at the UN General Assembly, including by China and Russia, attempts to prevent sanctions have failed, and Iran's supreme leader has dismissed negotiations with the US as futile.