Key Takeaways
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has rejected a U.S. demand to surrender the country's entire enriched uranium stockpile in exchange for temporary relief from impending UN sanctions, calling the proposal "unacceptable".
- Sweeping UN sanctions are set to be reimposed on Iran today, September 27, 2025, after a joint Russian and Chinese effort to delay them at the UN Security Council failed.
- A new poll published by the Maariv newspaper reveals that 41% of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition voters now support former U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed 21-point peace plan for Gaza, marking the first time support among this group has exceeded opposition since the war began.
- Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60 percent was reported at 440.9 kilograms as of June 13, an increase of 32.3 kilograms since May 17.
In a significant development that underscores escalating geopolitical tensions, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has vehemently rejected a U.S. demand for Iran to hand over its entire enriched uranium stockpile. Pezeshkian described the offer of temporary relief from impending UN sanctions in exchange for the uranium as "unacceptable," noting that the U.S. proposed a three-month exemption, while France had offered only a one-month delay.
The rejection comes as sweeping UN sanctions are poised to be reimposed on Iran today, Saturday, September 27, 2025. This follows the failure of a Russian and Chinese-backed resolution at the UN Security Council to delay the sanctions. European powers initiated the "snapback" mechanism a month ago, citing Tehran's alleged breaches of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, including material enriched up to 60%, stood at an estimated 440.9 kilograms as of June 13, an increase of 32.3 kilograms in less than a month. President Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran has no intention of pursuing nuclear weapons and is prepared for transparency regarding its highly enriched uranium. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (PM Netanyahu) has urged for no delay in the snapback of sanctions and hinted at potential further action against Iran's nuclear program.
Separately, a new poll published by the Maariv newspaper indicates a notable shift in Israeli public opinion regarding former U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed peace plan for Gaza. The poll, conducted on September 25, 2025, revealed that 41% of voters aligned with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's (PM Netanyahu) coalition support Trump's plan, with 33% opposing it. This marks the first instance since the war began that support for the plan among Netanyahu's base has surpassed opposition. Across the broader Israeli public, 53% expressed support for the plan, while 17% were opposed and 30% remained undecided. Support was even stronger among opposition voters, with 72% in favor. Trump's 21-point plan reportedly includes provisions for the release of all hostages within 48 hours, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces, the opening of crossings, and a five-year international effort for Gaza's reconstruction. Sources within the Likud party are reportedly signaling a growing sentiment among activists that the conflict should conclude.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.