Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic, announced in an interview with Al-Mayadeen that no portion of Iran’s enriched nuclear material will leave the country. He stated that Tehran has communicated this position to Russian officials and intends to utilize these materials domestically.
Rezaei added that the Islamic Republic requires these materials for the design and development of nuclear-powered ships and submarines.
These remarks come despite prior reports by foreign media suggesting Tehran’s potential consent to transfer its enriched uranium stockpiles abroad, reports that Islamic Republic officials have consistently dismissed.
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic, announced on Monday, November 2, 2026, that the issue of transferring Iran’s 60 percent enriched uranium to a third country was not raised during the Doha negotiations and that Tehran would not agree to such a measure.
Baghaei reiterated on Monday, November 9, in an interview with Al-Mayadeen, that the removal of enriched uranium from Iran is “by no means” under consideration and lacks any justification.
Mohsen Rezaei had previously stated on October 20, during a meeting with General Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, that not even a fraction of enriched nuclear material would leave Iran. Characterizing the stockpiles as “national wealth,” he emphasized that resuming negotiations with the United States depends on Washington building trust and fulfilling Tehran’s conditions.
The recent stances taken by Islamic Republic officials come as Russia has repeatedly signaled its readiness to receive Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on October 1 that Moscow’s proposal to transfer these stockpiles to Russian territory remains on the table. Earlier, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister announced that Moscow remains prepared to receive Iran’s enriched uranium or assist in its transfer to another country should the parties reach an agreement.
