President Donald Trump vowed Thursday that the United States will eventually recover Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium [1].

The statement marks a significant escalation in the U.S. approach to Iranian nuclear capabilities. By targeting the physical recovery of enriched materials, the administration is signaling a shift toward more direct intervention to prevent Tehran from achieving nuclear weapons capability.

Speaking in Washington on May 21, 2026 [1], Trump focused on the security risks posed by the stockpile. He said the U.S. cannot allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon [3].

"I can think of nothing more important than the fact that we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon," Trump said [2].

The push to retrieve the material comes despite previous comments from Iran indicating that it will not hand over the stockpile [1]. The retrieval of highly enriched uranium is a critical step in non-proliferation efforts, as such materials are essential components for creating a nuclear device.

Trump did not specify the exact methods the U.S. would use to recover the uranium. However, the commitment suggests a policy of maximum pressure intended to neutralize the threat of an Iranian atomic bomb. The administration's focus remains on the eventual recovery of the materials to ensure regional stability, a goal Trump described as a top priority during his remarks [2].

This objective aligns with a broader strategy to dismantle Iran's nuclear infrastructure. The retrieval of the stockpile would effectively reset the clock on Iran's "breakout time," which is the period required to produce enough fissile material for a weapon.

“"I can think of nothing more important than the fact that we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon."”

This move indicates a transition from diplomatic containment to a policy of active material recovery. By publicly vowing to retrieve the uranium, the U.S. is challenging Iran's sovereignty over its nuclear program and increasing the risk of direct confrontation if Tehran refuses to comply with the demand.