Iran Proposes Uranium Dilution as Alternative to Export in Nuclear Talks with US
Iranian officials have stated that the country is refusing to export its stockpile of 300 kilograms of highly enriched uranium but is willing to dilute its purity under the supervision of the United Nations nuclear inspectorate, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This proposal is set to form the core of Iran's offer to the United States in the coming days, as President Donald Trump considers potential military action against Iran amid a significant naval buildup in the Middle East.
Details of Iran's Nuclear Counterproposal
Currently, Iran possesses uranium enriched to 60%, which is close to weapons-grade levels. The Iranian proposal involves down-blending this stockpile to 20% purity or lower, a move that would reduce its potential for military use while keeping the materials within Iran's borders. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the United States has not demanded Iran abandon its right to enrich uranium domestically. Instead, negotiations are focusing on the purity levels of enrichment and the number of centrifuges permitted.
Iranian sources have dismissed earlier discussions about sending the uranium stockpile to Russia or integrating Iran's domestic enrichment program into an overseas consortium. A diplomat close to the government was quoted in Iranian media, stating, "We emphasized this position during the negotiations that nuclear materials will not leave the country." This stance underscores Iran's commitment to maintaining control over its nuclear materials while addressing international concerns.
US Response and Diplomatic Tensions
In an interview aired in the US, Araghchi clarified that Washington has not requested a permanent suspension of uranium enrichment, and Tehran has not offered a temporary halt. He rejected reports suggesting Iran proposed a two- to three-year suspension, asserting, "It is not true that the United States has called for a complete cessation of enrichment." However, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz contradicted this, indicating that the US seeks "zero enrichment" by Iran, highlighting a significant gap in positions.
The Iranian account of its position places considerable emphasis on the degree of access the IAEA would have to inspect nuclear sites. Reza Nasri, an Iranian lawyer with connections to the foreign ministry, warned that if Iran is attacked while diplomatic solutions are still possible, other regional states might conclude that nuclear weapons are the only effective deterrent against the US and Israel. This statement reflects broader regional security implications of the ongoing tensions.
Domestic Unrest and International Scrutiny
Amid these developments, protests have erupted at several Iranian universities, including Mashhad University of Medical Services and at least two in Tehran. Universities had recently reopened after closures due to fears of unrest. At Sharif University, students chanted slogans such as "Javed Shah," "Until the mullah is shrouded, this homeland will not become a homeland," and "Death to the dictator." The university president urged students to cease protests, warning that authorities might force classes back online.
Protests are also anticipated at a UN Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva, where Afsaneh Nadipour, a former Iranian ambassador to Denmark, is set to take her seat as a full member of the advisory council. Nadipour, elected for a three-year term in October, will provide input on women's rights. The UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee, composed of 18 independent experts, serves as the intellectual arm of the council, with nominations made by governments and selected by the council.
The outcome of Iran's nuclear proposal is likely to influence Trump's decision on whether to launch military action, making these diplomatic efforts critical for regional stability. As talks progress, the international community watches closely, balancing concerns over nuclear proliferation with the potential for escalated conflict in the Middle East.
