Iran Says It Will Not Let Any Enriched Uranium Leave the Country

The statement hardens Iran's position on retaining its enriched uranium stockpile, directly complicating any diplomatic formula that would depend on transferring material abroad as a confidence-building step. It matters most for the countries engaged in nuclear talks and for Russia, which is named as having been told the material stays put. The naval-propulsion justification adds a rationale that could widen the scope of enrichment activities under discussion. Whether this remains a negotiating stance or becomes settled policy is the open question.