Trump says US will work with Iran to retrieve enriched uranium

President Donald Trump said the U.S. will work with Iran to recover enriched uranium and ship it back to the U.S. on April 17, 2026.^[1]

The announcement touches on longstanding concerns about nuclear material security—an issue that has shaped U.S. policy toward Iran for decades. Recovering the material could reduce the risk of illicit diversion and signal a new phase of cooperation after years of sanctions and diplomatic tension.^[2]

Trump said in a phone interview from Washington that the U.S. would “go in with Iran, at a nice leisurely pace, and start excavating with big machinery… We'll bring it back to the U.S.” He said, “We will retrieve nuclear dust very soon.”^[3]

Enriched uranium, the material Iran has been developing for its nuclear program, is often described by officials as “nuclear dust” because of its fine, powder‑like form. Transporting it safely requires specialized containers and coordination with international monitoring agencies to ensure compliance with non‑proliferation agreements.^[2]

U.S. officials have not released a detailed timeline, but they indicated that logistical planning will begin within weeks. The cooperation could also open a channel for broader dialogue on regional security, though critics warn that the focus on material recovery should not distract from unresolved human‑rights concerns in Iran.^[3]

Since the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran has pursued limited enrichment of uranium under strict monitoring. The U.S. withdrew from the agreement in 2018, re‑imposing sanctions that halted most nuclear cooperation. Trump's latest statement marks the first public indication that Washington is willing to engage directly with Tehran on material recovery, a shift from the previous policy of containment and diplomatic pressure.^[2]

Recovering the material will require heavy excavation equipment to access sealed storage sites, followed by secure packaging for transport to a U.S. facility. The International Atomic Energy Agency is expected to oversee verification steps, ensuring that no additional fissile material is diverted during the process. Experts warn that moving enriched uranium across borders carries inherent security risks that must be mitigated through layered safeguards and real‑time monitoring.^[3]

Iranian officials have not issued an official response, but Tehran’s foreign ministry spokesperson hinted that any cooperation would be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis. In Washington, some members of Congress have expressed skepticism, questioning whether the plan aligns with broader non‑proliferation goals. The European Union, which remains a party to the original nuclear deal, has called for transparency and coordination with the IAEA before any material movement begins.^[2]