Russia reaffirms offer to process Iran's enriched uranium
Russia has reiterated its role as potential mediator in the escalating dispute over Iran's nuclear program. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed Wednesday that Moscow's proposal to export Iran's enriched uranium stockpile remains active.
"Russia has proposed to export Iran's enriched uranium reserves to its territory. This initiative is still on the table," Zakharova told reporters, according to Reuters. She stressed that Tehran holds sole authority over any transfer. "Only the Iranians have the right to dispose of it, including deciding whether to export it beyond their borders and, if affirmative, where," she clarified.
Moscow continues positioning itself as a diplomatic bridge between Washington and Tehran. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov earlier this week restated Russia's services as a viable option to resolve irritants for multiple nations.
Russia first publicly offered in June 2025 to accept Iran's highly enriched uranium and convert it to civilian reactor fuel. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov then stated Moscow stood ready to assist concretely, beyond political support or negotiation ideas.
Iranian officials have publicly dismissed transferring nuclear materials abroad. Ali Bagheri, deputy foreign policy chief at Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said Monday that Tehran has no intention of shipping enriched materials overseas, with current talks not addressing the issue.
Some reports hint at backstage flexibility. Reuters cited an anonymous Iranian official on February 2 stating Tehran could accept zero domestic enrichment under a consortium deal and hand over about 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium.
These maneuvers precede direct U.S.-Iran talks, the first since last June's 12-day conflict where American and Israeli forces struck Iranian nuclear sites, including the deeply buried Fordow enrichment facility. Discussions are tentatively set for Friday in Turkey, though Iran pushes for Oman and a nuclear-only focus.
President Trump has deployed what he calls a massive armada to the Persian Gulf, warning of grave events absent a deal. Iran cautions any U.S. strike would prompt swift, comprehensive retaliation.
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