During the first round of talks in Oman on February 6, representatives from Iran suggested transferring their highly enriched uranium to Russia. Additionally, Iran indicated a willingness to suspend uranium enrichment for several years.
Iran has consistently claimed that its uranium enrichment is for peaceful purposes, despite being the only non-nuclear weapons state enriching uranium to 60%, a level close to the 90% needed for nuclear weapon production. This situation has prompted the U.S. to seek an agreement to prevent further developments.
“In the previous meeting in Oman, Iran informed the U.S. that it was ready to send this highly enriched material abroad, enough for fueling 12 nuclear bombs, possibly to Russia,” stated Iranian, Arab, and American officials.
Diplomatic sources also revealed that Iranian officials suggested they might halt uranium enrichment for up to three years. However, according to the Wall Street Journal, this promise may not significantly alter the situation, as it is believed that Iran ceased enrichment following U.S. strikes that incapacitated key nuclear facilities in June.
Reports indicate that much of Iran’s existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium is now buried under the rubble of the attacked nuclear sites.
On February 17, a second round of negotiations took place in Geneva. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi described the discussions as more substantive, noting that both sides presented ideas aimed at developing an agreement.
He mentioned that Iran and the U.S. agreed to exchange texts to form the basis of a deal before scheduling future negotiations. “This does not mean we will reach an agreement quickly, but at least the path toward it has begun,” Araqchi remarked after talks with Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
A source from the Wall Street Journal clarified that Iran agreed to submit a text within two weeks to clarify some ambiguities in its position.
Recent negotiations between Iran and the U.S. have seen Iran propose transferring highly enriched uranium to Russia and suspending enrichment for several years. As discussions progress, both sides are working towards establishing a framework for a potential agreement.