Iranian Security Chief Mohsen Rezaei issued firm declarations on Wednesday regarding the nation's nuclear posture and its readiness for military confrontation. In televised remarks, Rezaei stated that Iran will not permit even a single particle of its enriched nuclear material to leave the country. He further warned that any new strikes by the United States against the Islamic Republic would lead to significant consequences for Washington.
The comments were made during an interview with Lebanon's pro-Iranian Al Mayadeen television network. Rezaei's statements came at a time when US officials have been downplaying the immediate necessity for additional military action against Iran. Analysts have noted that President Donald Trump has adopted a more conciliatory tone in recent weeks, a shift that coincides with the Republican defeat in the November 3 midterm elections.
Rezaei clarified that there are currently no active negotiations between Tehran and Washington. Despite the lack of formal talks, he provided specific details on how Iran would respond to future aggression. He warned that any new US attacks would be met with targeted strikes on US military bases located far away from the Middle East, expanding the scope beyond the theaters of the previous conflict.
The security chief was particularly explicit about the potential reach of Iranian retaliation. He indicated that military bases in European countries could be targeted if US aircraft launched attacks on Iran from those locations. This specific warning suggests a strategy to widen the geographic footprint of any future engagement between the two nations.
Regarding the nuclear material, Rezaei referenced a directive issued by Iran's Supreme Leader in May. Two senior Iranian sources had previously reported that the leader ordered the country's near-weapons-grade uranium to remain within its borders. Rezaei confirmed this stance, explaining that Tehran has informed Moscow that its enriched nuclear material will stay in Iran and be used by the country itself.
The security chief provided a justification for retaining the material, stating that it is necessary for the design of ships and submarines powered by nuclear energy. This explanation aligns with Iran's long-standing narrative that its nuclear program serves both civilian and military purposes beyond just electricity generation.
Russia had previously offered to take uranium out of Iran as part of a potential agreement to alleviate US concerns. However, Moscow stated that the decision on whether to remove the material rested solely with Tehran. The current stance from Rezaei suggests that Iran has declined the Russian offer or at least paused its consideration in favor of domestic use.
The International Atomic Energy Agency estimated that Iran possessed 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent when Israel and the United States attacked Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. This level of enrichment is significantly higher than what is typically required for civilian energy use. It remains unclear how much of this stockpile has survived the previous military campaigns.
Western nations, including the United States and Israel, have long accused Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran consistently denies. Washington has insisted that nuclear issues must be included in any initial negotiations aimed at ending the war between the two countries. Recently, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran sent a nuclear proposal to the US via Qatar. This proposal is to be discussed only after Washington agrees to seven specific demands presented by Tehran.
The exchange of statements highlights the continued tension between the two powers. While diplomatic channels remain open through intermediaries like Qatar, the threat of military escalation persists. Rezaei's remarks underscore Iran's determination to leverage its nuclear assets as a strategic advantage in both negotiations and potential future conflicts.
