President Donald Trump on Monday proposed that the long-defunct U.S. Atomic Energy Commission could help oversee the destruction of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile as he seeks to negotiate an end to his unpopular war with the country. However, critics quickly pointed out that the commission was dissolved over 50 years ago.
Outdated Reference Sparks Criticism
Erik Townsend, among several critics on X, flagged the president's mention of the defunct agency on his Truth Social platform, calling it "utterly surreal." Earlier in the day, Trump suggested that Iran's enriched uranium, which he termed "nuclear dust," should be turned over to the United States for destruction or destroyed in place with international oversight.
Trump also proposed that the material could be destroyed at another location, with the Atomic Energy Commission or its equivalent witnessing the process. Townsend noted that while Pakistan and Israel have an "Atomic Energy Commission," neither would be appropriate in this context.
History of the Atomic Energy Commission
The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, established in 1946 under President Harry Truman, was responsible for developing and regulating nuclear technology. It was dissolved in 1975, with its duties split between the Energy Research and Development Administration (later part of the Department of Energy) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Neither the AEC nor its successors have typically been involved in disarmament missions.
Some observers speculated whether Trump intended to reference the International Atomic Energy Agency, which monitors nuclear compliance. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
