Tehran will not permit any of its enriched nuclear uranium to be transferred to a third country or Russia, rejecting a proposal from the U.S. to move the current stockpile. Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei stated that the nuclear materials are essential for the development of domestic nuclear-powered ships and submarines, a position he said has been officially communicated to President Vladimir Putin.
The announcement coincided with a 1% rise in oil prices and fresh warnings that any new American military strikes would trigger retaliatory attacks on U.S. bases in Europe and on remote islands. Rezaei further claimed the Iranian military has captured seven U.S. drones and two submarines capable of diving 6,000 meters, while asserting that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until seven Iranian conditions are met.
