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

Iran has adamantly refused to surrender its enriched nuclear material, insisting it must retain the material to develop nuclear-powered submarines, according to the country's security chief Mohsen Rezaei. Rezaei made these remarks during an interview with the Al Mayadeen TV network, rejecting US demands for Tehran to relinquish the enriched uranium in exchange for a political resolution to the ongoing tensions.

In the interview, Rezaei emphasized that Iran will not permit even "a single speck" of enriched uranium to leave its borders. He stated that the enriched material is essential for designing nuclear submarines and ships. Moreover, Iran has communicated with Russia that the country's enriched nuclear material will stay within its borders and will be utilized by Iran itself.

Rezaei's comments follow US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's assertion that Iran's terms for a political settlement are "absurd." Rubio stressed that the Trump administration believes the maritime blockade imposed on Iran grants the United States a strategic advantage in the negotiations. Rezaei's defiant response underscores Iran's determination to maintain control over its nuclear assets, regardless of the US pressure.