uranium

The commission has agreements giving 39 states including Wyoming primary oversight of uranium mining.

There was no immediate comment from Iranian officials.

The task force says the moves are necessary to save the U.S. nuclear industrial base.

The 2015 deal allows Iran only to keep a stockpile of 202.8 kilograms.

Uranium mining interests say the global market for uranium ore is vulnerable to political turmoil.

But conservation groups and other opponents said the U.S. has enough uranium stockpiled to supply decades' worth of defense needs.

The deal limited Iran to 300 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 3.67 percent.

Wyoming produces more uranium than any other state and all of it comes from in-situ mines.

Steele says the merger will position them to advance development of the South Dakota project.

The firms are also asking the president to make adjustments to imports of uranium.