Iran Says Trump’s Ceasefire Push May Have Been ‘Tactical Deception’

Last Updated:May 22, 2026, 02:33 IST

Iran suspects a US tactical pause before new attacks, hardens stance by refusing to export near weapons grade uranium, defying US and complicating fragile nuclear talks.

Iran’s leadership reportedly suspects that the current pause in hostilities with the United States is a tactical move by Washington to create a false sense of security before launching fresh attacks, according to two senior Iranian sources cited by Reuters.

The concerns come amid fragile diplomatic efforts and renewed tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme, with Tehran also hardening its position on a key US demand by refusing to send its near-weapons-grade uranium stockpile abroad, the sources said.

According to the report, there is deep suspicion among top Iranian officials that the temporary reduction in conflict is being used by the US to prepare for renewed military action.

Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf reinforced those fears on Wednesday, saying both “obvious and hidden moves by the enemy" suggested that Americans were preparing new attacks.

The remarks underscore growing mistrust in Tehran despite an uneasy ceasefire following months of conflict involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran, retaliatory actions by Tehran and tensions across the region.

The same report said Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has ordered that the country’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium must not be transferred outside Iran — a position likely to complicate ongoing talks with Washington.

The directive challenges one of the key conditions reportedly pushed by US President Donald Trump, who has insisted Iran should not retain highly enriched uranium capable of supporting weapons development.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said the US would not allow Iran to keep the material.

“We will get it. We don’t need it, we don’t want it… We’ll probably destroy it after we get it, but we’re not going to let them have it," Trump told reporters.

Israeli officials have reportedly said Trump assured Israel that any future agreement with Iran would require Tehran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium to be removed from the country.

Western governments have long accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons capability, pointing to uranium enrichment levels reaching 60% purity, closer to weapons-grade thresholds. Iran denies pursuing nuclear weapons and says its programme is intended for peaceful purposes.

Negotiations remain complicated by broader tensions, including concerns around the Strait of Hormuz, US pressure measures and uncertainty over whether the current lull in fighting will hold.

The developments highlight the fragile state of diplomacy, with deep distrust between Tehran and Washington threatening prospects for a long-term agreement.

News world Iran Says Trump’s Ceasefire Push May Have Been ‘Tactical Deception’

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