Iran’s security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, declared that Iran will not allow a single particle of enriched nuclear material to leave the country. He added that any new American attack on the Islamic Republic will have consequences. His statement comes after U.S. officials downplayed the need for additional military action against Iran.
According to Rezaei, there are currently no negotiations between Tehran and Washington. He warned that any new American attack would also be met with strikes on American bases far away.
Analysts have pointed to a more conciliatory tone from President Donald Trump since the Republicans’ defeat in the November 3 midterm elections. Meanwhile, Washington has said nuclear issues must be part of any initial negotiation with Iran aimed at ending the war between the two countries.
In May, two senior Iranian sources said that Iran’s Supreme Leader had issued a directive that the country’s uranium, which is nearly suitable for weapons, must not be sent abroad. Israel, the United States and other Western countries have long accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, an accusation Tehran denies.
Last week, a senior Iranian official said Iran had sent the United States a proposal on its nuclear program via Qatar. It will only be discussed once Washington meets seven demands that Tehran has presented.