During a recent phone conversation, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed to U.S. President Donald Trump the transfer of enriched uranium from Iran to Russia as part of a potential agreement to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This information was reported by Axios, citing sources within the U.S. administration.
According to the sources, Trump declined Putin’s proposal. Iran is believed to possess over 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, a figure previously mentioned by U.S. Special Representative for the Middle East, Steve Vitkoff, based on statements from Iranian officials. Vitkoff indicated that this amount could be sufficient to produce 11 nuclear bombs.
Historically, Russia has held Iranian uranium under the 2015 nuclear agreement. A White House official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, noted that this is not the first time Moscow has suggested the transfer of enriched uranium from Iran to the U.S. “This offer has been made before and was not accepted. The U.S. position is that we must ensure the safe storage of uranium,” the official stated.
On March 9, during their phone call, Trump and Putin discussed the situation in Ukraine as well as U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran. Trump remarked that while Putin expressed a desire to be “helpful” regarding the Middle East, he suggested that a more constructive step would be to end the war in Ukraine.
Prior to the U.S. and Israeli military operation against Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, Washington and Tehran engaged in several rounds of negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear program. Despite claims of “significant progress” by Oman, a mediator in the discussions, no agreements were reached, although Tehran reportedly consented to refrain from accumulating enriched uranium.
On February 28, Israel launched an attack on Tehran, prompting President Trump to announce a “major combat operation” against Iran aimed at eliminating perceived threats from the Iranian regime. Trump accused Iran of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine, stating that the operation’s goal was to dismantle Iran’s missile industry and prevent global destabilization.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it had launched missiles and drones towards Israel and attacked U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In response to the military actions, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need to provide Iranians with an opportunity to rid themselves of the “terrorist regime” and ensure safety for all nations affected by Iranian attacks.
On February 28, Trump stated that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was dead, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). The following day, the IRGC announced the initiation of “the most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. military bases. Trump warned the Iranian regime to abandon its plans, threatening a “very strong response.”
On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the next phase of military operations against Iran would be even more devastating. On March 6, Trump called for a complete change in Iran’s leadership, stating he had several candidates in mind for a “good leader.” On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. Trump declined to comment on this election, stating only, “We’ll see what happens.” He had previously suggested that the new Iranian leader would not last long without the approval of the White House.
Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed transferring enriched uranium from Iran to Russia during a call with U.S. President Donald Trump, a suggestion that was declined. This conversation occurred amid escalating military actions involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran, with significant geopolitical implications.
Source: Axios