Iran may be willing to dilute its most highly enriched uranium if all financial sanctions are lifted, offering one of the clearest public signals yet of Tehran’s stance in renewed indirect talks with the United States.
The statement comes amid quiet but consequential diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran, facilitated by Omani mediators. In this regard, no formal breakthrough has been announced; recent statements suggest that both sides may be cautiously testing the boundaries of compromise.
In this sense, Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation, said the fate of uranium enriched to 60 per cent a level close to weapons-grade would depend entirely on the outcome of sanctions negotiations.
So far, United States has long demanded that Iran give up its highly enriched uranium reserves, which the UN nuclear watch dog estimated last year at more than 440 kilograms. Washington argues that such levels of enrichment exceed civilian needs, while Iran maintains its programme is peaceful and within its rights.
The latest diplomatic activity follows talks held in Oman last week, after the United States increased its military presence in the region a move that revived fears of escalation.
These discussions also came on the heels of a government crackdown on anti-government demonstrations inside Iran, adding further complexity to an already fragile diplomatic landscape.
Notably, Eslami said that proposals to ship Iran’s enriched uranium abroad an idea raised in earlier negotiations were not discussed during the most recent talks, suggesting a narrowing of options currently under consideration.
Meanwhile, Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader and secretary of the national security council, is expected to visit Oman this week. Iranian media say his meetings will focus on regional developments and bilateral cooperation, a move widely seen as politically significant, though its precise implications remain unclear.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has described the talks as a chance for a “fair and balanced” outcome, provided the United States avoids what Tehran calls maximalist demands. Iran, he said, will continue to insist on sanctions relief and recognition of its nuclear rights.
