Iran Considers Transferring Enriched Uranium to Russia Amidst Nuclear Talks
TEHERAN – Iran has indicated its willingness to transfer a portion of its enriched uranium stockpile to third countries, including Russia, as part of ongoing negotiations with the United States aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. This proposal emerged during the first round of talks held in Oman on February 6, according to reports from WION News and RBC Ukraine, citing sources within U.S., Iranian, and regional diplomatic circles.
Proposal Details and Russian Response
Iranian officials have reportedly suggested a potential halt to uranium enrichment for up to three years. They proposed the formation of a regional consortium to produce fuel plates from enriched uranium for domestic use. Russia has confirmed its readiness to accept the uranium, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stating, “The initiative remains open. At the same time, we must remember that the uranium stockpile belongs to Iran,” as reported by Reuters.
U.S. Position and Concerns
U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program and the handover of its enriched uranium stockpile, a demand that Iran has rejected. The current stockpile is estimated to be sufficient to produce 12 nuclear weapons, according to RBC Ukraine. Concerns remain regarding Iran’s enrichment levels, as it currently enriches uranium to 60%, nearing the 90% level required for weapons-grade material.
Recent Developments and Negotiations
A second round of negotiations between U.S. And Iranian officials took place in Geneva on February 17. These talks follow U.S. And Iranian strikes in June 2025, which reportedly damaged Iran’s nuclear facilities, leading to much of the existing enriched uranium being buried under rubble. Despite this, Iran maintains its position that its uranium enrichment program is for peaceful purposes, adhering to the principles of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Israeli Stance
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the U.S. To require Iran to relinquish all of its enriched uranium and cease all enrichment activities as a condition for any new nuclear deal, as stated in a recent speech reported by BBC News.