Iran denies Trump claim it agreed to hand over enriched uranium

US President Donald Trump announced Friday that major breakthroughs have been achieved in Operation Epic Fury, claiming that Iran has agreed to suspend its nuclear program and that the strategic Strait of Hormuz has been reopened for full passage. Speaking to Reuters via telephone, Trump said the United States would obtain what he referred to as "nuclear dust," describing enriched uranium material from Iran without any financial exchange, while asserting that a broader peace deal to end the US-Israel military campaign against Iran was close to completion. However, Iran immediately rejected these claims, with Tehran stating that negotiations remain at an early stage and could take weeks to conclude. Trump indicated that negotiations on a lasting agreement would "probably" take place over the weekend, adding that he may travel to Islamabad once a deal is finalized. The president stated that the US would continue its naval blockade of Iran until a final agreement is reached, while also working with Tehran to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is estimated to possess more than 900 pounds of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, a level that has long been central to tensions between the two nations. While Trump maintained the war was designed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, Tehran insists its enrichment program is intended solely for peaceful civilian energy purposes. Trump dismissed reports of a 20 billion dollar cash-for-uranium arrangement as "totally false." The conflicting narratives underscore the uncertainty surrounding the status of negotiations. The conflict, launched by the US and Israel against Iran in late February, has now continued for more than a month since Operation Epic Fury began. Trump expressed confidence in reaching an agreement quickly, stating that relations with Iran were positive, though the fundamental disagreement over Iran's nuclear program and the pace of negotiations remains a significant obstacle to any lasting resolution.