Trump ‘Not Satisfied’ With Iran Negotiations, Rejects Uranium Transfer to Russia or China

Trump’s Frustration with Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged on Wednesday that negotiations to end the nearly three-month war with Iran were not meeting his expectations. Speaking at a White House cabinet meeting, Trump said, “They very much want to make a deal. So far, they haven’t gotten there. We’re not satisfied with it.” He reiterated his threat that either a deal would be struck or the U.S. would “go back and finish the thing,” underscoring the precarious state of diplomacy just days after he suggested an agreement was imminent.

The remarks dampened optimism that a breakthrough could be reached quickly, as the sides continue to work through Pakistan-mediated talks. Trump placed the onus on Iran, claiming its military and economy were in tatters. “Their navy is gone, their air force is gone, everything is gone — they are negotiating out of last strength,” he added.

Uranium Transfer a Red Line

A key sticking point is the fate of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Trump explicitly rejected the possibility that Tehran might hand over the material to Russia or China — two countries with close ties to Iran and often mentioned as potential recipients under a deal. “I wouldn’t feel comfortable with that,” Trump said. Instead, he suggested the uranium should either be destroyed or transferred to the United States. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has noted that Iran is the only non-nuclear-weapon state enriching uranium to 60 percent purity, far above the level needed for civilian use.

Iran’s Defiant Response

Iranian hardliners responded with characteristic bravado. A senior commander of the Revolutionary Guards’ navy, Mohammed Achbarsadeh, warned that the coastline from Chabahar to Mahshahr “can be turned into a graveyard for aggressors” and said forces remained “ready, with full magazines.” At the same time, Achbarsadeh called a resumption of full-scale hostilities unlikely, citing “the weakness of the enemy,” according to Tasnim news agency — an apparent attempt to project confidence while leaving room for diplomacy.

Expert Skepticism

Political scientist Thomas Jäger offered a sobering assessment, arguing that no durable agreement is possible at this stage. “The most likely is that they agree on some paper containing declarations of intent,” he told FOCUS online. “The problem is that nobody can be sure that such promises will be kept.” Jäger blamed Trump for tearing up the 2015 nuclear accord, removing constraints that had kept Iran’s program in check. “All of that Trump tore up for a simple reason: because Obama’s signature was on it,” he said.

The most likely is that they agree on some paper containing declarations of intent. The problem is that nobody can be sure that such promises will be kept.

Now Iran’s nuclear knowledge is irreversible, Jäger argued, and the regime may even double down on weaponization efforts because it has seen how vulnerable it is without a deterrent.

Outstanding Issues

Beyond uranium, negotiations have been bogged down by Iran’s ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of global oil passes. Trump declared unilaterally that the strait “will be open for all and nobody will control it.” Sanctions relief, another priority for Tehran, is not on the table, Trump said. As both sides posture, the window for a diplomatic resolution appears to be narrowing.