Iran considers diluting uranium if sanctions lifted in talks

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization head, Mohammad Eslami, hinted on Monday that his country might agree to dilute its most enriched uranium if all financial sanctions are lifted. This comes amidst ongoing talks between US and Iranian diplomats mediated by Oman aimed at reviving diplomatic relations after Trump deployed a naval flotilla in the region, fueling concerns of potential military action.

These negotiations follow Iran’s crackdown on anti-government demonstrations last month. The United States has long demanded that Tehran relinquish its uranium stockpile enriched to up to 60 percent fissile purity—a distance from weapons-grade material of nearly 90 percent. Washington insists this can occur only if all sanctions are lifted, prompting Eslami’s recent statement.

Eslami’s remarks were reported by Iran’s ISNA news agency. They suggest another proposal—the relocation abroad of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile—has not been discussed at the current round of talks with US officials. The upcoming visit to Oman on Tuesday by Ali Larijani, a close advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and secretary of its national security council, is part of these discussions.

A new round of talks between Iran and the US could take place soon; however, the exact date and venue have yet to be announced. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently stated his hope for fair resolution of this issue, emphasizing Iran’s demand for sanctions relief while insisting on its right to nuclear enrichment.

The United States seeks inclusion of Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal in negotiations, a stance Tehran has firmly rejected. In a televised address aired Monday, Ayatollah Khamenei called on Iranians to participate in the upcoming anniversary march celebrating the 1979 revolution. He emphasized that public support will deter enemies from targeting the country.

These developments underscore the complex nature of diplomatic efforts and Iran’s continued defiance of US demands. The tension surrounding these talks highlights the challenges in navigating a path towards stable engagement between the two nations.