WASHINGTON — Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Iran by demanding control over Tehran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, while the United States simultaneously announced an extension of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire amid ongoing regional tensions.
Speaking aboard Air Force One after returning from Beijing, Trump claimed only the United States and China possess the technology capable of recovering what he described as Iran’s buried “nuclear dust” — referring to approximately 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium believed to be trapped beneath rubble following previous strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Trump said Iranian officials initially agreed to allow removal of the uranium before later reversing their position.
“They’ll agree to it eventually,” Trump told reporters.
Iran continues to insist its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful civilian use, while Washington maintains Tehran has pursued nuclear weapons capabilities.
The remarks came shortly after Trump held high-level meetings in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where both sides reportedly agreed they do not want Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon and favor ending the conflict through diplomacy and pressure.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire agreement as Washington attempts to prevent wider regional escalation involving Hezbollah and Iranian-backed groups.
The U.S. also unveiled a new reward initiative targeting Iran’s drone production networks, reflecting growing American concern over Tehran’s expanding military technology and regional influence.
During the same media exchange, Trump said he rejected Iran’s latest peace proposal, calling its opening terms “unacceptable.”
The president additionally addressed several major geopolitical issues, including possible sanctions relief for Chinese companies purchasing Iranian oil, future U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, North Korea, Boeing aircraft deals, and imprisoned Hong Kong media figure Jimmy Lai.
Trump also criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, claiming the UK leader is facing mounting political pressure linked to immigration and energy challenges.
The latest developments highlight how the Iran conflict has increasingly evolved into a broader global diplomatic crisis involving China, the Middle East, energy security, and Western alliances.