Trump: Iran's enriched uranium must be handed over to the U.S. for destruction, either on-site or in a third country
¬ Iran criticizes Rubio for visiting Taj Mahal amid Middle East conflict backdrop
¬ U.S. State Department: Rubio discussed Ukraine, Iran, and Russia-U.S. relations with Lavrov
¬ Tasnim News Agency rejects media reports claiming Iran is secretly transporting enriched uranium, calling them false
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President Trump stated that all remaining Iranian enriched uranium must be immediately handed over to the United States for subsequent destruction, or alternatively—preferably—destroyed on-site or at an acceptable location under coordination with Tehran and under supervision by U.S. nuclear regulatory authorities.
In a post on the "Truth Social" social media platform, Trump wrote: "Enriched uranium ('nuclear dust'!) will either be handed over immediately to the U.S. for transport and destruction, or — more desirable — destroyed on-site or at a location approved by Iran, in cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran, with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission or its equivalent serving as witness to the process and events."
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State Department spokesperson Piggott said that, at Russia’s request, Secretary of State Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov discussing the conflict in Ukraine, bilateral relations, and the situation surrounding Iran.
Piggott released a statement saying: "U.S. Secretary of State Rubio spoke today with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the latter’s request. The two exchanged views on the war in Ukraine, bilateral relations, and the situation regarding Iran."
On May 25 local time, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, informing the U.S. about the start of systematic Russian strikes on Ukrainian military targets in Kyiv. Lavrov also reminded Rubio of the top-level agreement reached between Russia and the U.S. in Anchorage concerning the Ukraine conflict.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed during their call their mutual willingness to intensify efforts to normalize working conditions for diplomatic missions of both countries stationed in each other’s territories. Additionally, they exchanged assessments on diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the Strait of Hormuz crisis and the situation around Cuba.
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The Iranian Consulate in Hyderabad, India criticized U.S. Secretary of State Rubio for visiting the Taj Mahal amid the U.S.-Iran conflict context.
On May 25, Secretary of State Rubio and his spouse visited the Taj Mahal complex within the framework of Rubio’s visit to India.
The Iranian consulate responded on the X social media platform: "If Rubio understood history or architecture, he wouldn’t have taken photos there. This mausoleum was built by a (Mughal Empire – editor’s note) emperor out of love for his Iranian wife, a masterpiece of Iranian architectural genius. Meanwhile, his government threatens to erase Iranian civilization from the face of the Earth."
Rubio stated on May 25 that the U.S. has a strong chance of reaching a temporary agreement with Iran on nuclear issues. Previously, the Washington Post reported that an unapproved framework agreement between Iran and the U.S. stipulates that Tehran would give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Meanwhile, an Iranian official, commenting to the newspaper, clarified this is not a final agreement on nuclear matters but rather a temporary arrangement postponing the issue for future discussion.
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Tasnim News Agency reported that Iranian media claims about Iran secretly transporting enriched uranium are false.
Arab Satellite Television cited unnamed senior sources reporting that Iran has secretly transported enriched uranium and requested it be sent to China.
Tasnim News Agency reported: "Our investigation into the matter confirms that the reports by Saudi media and other news stories detailing negotiation details are entirely false."
Tasnim News Agency further noted: "The draft memorandum currently contains no mention whatsoever of any proposal regarding Iran’s potential secret shipment of uranium."
Tasnim News Agency did not explicitly confirm whether Iran might consider shipping enriched uranium abroad once negotiations on its nuclear program begin between Tehran and Washington. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that both sides are currently drafting text for an agreement to end the conflict. Once finalized, Iran and the U.S. will proceed to discuss Iran’s nuclear program.
Source: sputniknews
Original: toutiao.com/article/1866216419637260/
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