Iran refuses to surrender enriched uranium, threatens to strike US bases in Europe if attacked

Tehran's security chief Mohsen Rezaei has warned that Iran will not surrender its enriched uranium and will retaliate against any US attack emanating from Europe. Speaking to Al Mayadeen TV, Rezaei stated that Iran will not allow a "single speck" of enriched uranium to leave the country, as it is needed for the development of nuclear-powered submarines.

The remarks came in response to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling Iran's terms for a political settlement "absurd." Rezaei also threatened to strike US military bases in Europe if attacked, potentially targeting islands beyond the reach of current missiles, including the US base in Diego Garcia. The US and Iran remain far apart on issues such as nuclear enrichment, sanctions relief, and control over the Strait of Hormuz, despite the recent deescalation in rhetoric following the Republican Party's defeat in the US midterm elections.