Iran vows not to part with enriched uranium as war costs mount
Iran draws a line on nuclear material
The head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said Wednesday that Tehran would not allow any enriched nuclear material to leave the country. The official’s statement cast doubt on diplomatic efforts to reach a peace deal.
The White House says the war was necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Iran has consistently denied seeking one. Washington wants nuclear negotiations included in an initial ceasefire arrangement, but Tehran rejects that condition. Iran says nuclear discussions can happen only after fighting formally stops on every front, including in Lebanon.
Gulf damage could grow sharply
Allianz Trade said Wednesday that damage from the U.S.-Iran war in Gulf countries would exceed $200 billion. It estimated that economic losses could approach four times that figure by 2030.
The insurer assessed physical damage at just over $200 billion, largely in economies affected by the Strait of Hormuz and especially in energy infrastructure. It also said tourism and real estate would face slower growth. The projected losses reflect economic output over 2026-30 falling below what the region had been expected to produce before the war, the insurer said.
Iran and France trade accusations
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mocked France, saying it was unable to manage refrigerators. The remarks followed Iran’s foreign ministry rejection of responsibility for grocery store refrigerators being hacked in the country.
Iran’s ministry also rejected French allegations of Iranian involvement in sabotage activities in France. Araghchi said Iran had not used its power to support massacres in Gaza or attacks on schools and hospitals.
Key points
- Iran says it will not allow enriched nuclear material to be removed from the country.
- The United States wants nuclear talks included in an initial ceasefire deal; Iran says fighting must first stop on all fronts.
- Allianz Trade estimates Gulf physical damage above $200 billion, with wider losses potentially nearly four times higher by 2030.
- Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reported two more tanker fires after sea mine strikes in the Strait of Hormuz.