Tehran: Iran has rejected calls to dismantle its nuclear power facilities while offering to transfer part of its enriched uranium stockpile to a third country as part of ongoing peace discussions with the United States and other international powers.
The latest developments come as efforts continue to reduce tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and the wider security crisis in the Middle East. Iranian officials said the country’s nuclear facilities are meant for peaceful energy purposes and cannot be destroyed or permanently shut down.
According to reports from international media, Tehran has informed negotiators that it is willing to consider moving some of its enriched uranium outside the country under international supervision. Iranian officials suggested that the material could be sent to a neutral third country until a final agreement is reached. However, Iran has also insisted that the uranium must be returned if negotiations collapse or if other countries fail to honour the agreement.
The proposal appears to be an attempt by Iran to show flexibility while protecting what it describes as its legal right to maintain a civilian nuclear programme. Iranian leaders have repeatedly said that the country has no intention of developing nuclear weapons and that its enrichment activities are aimed at producing energy and supporting scientific research.
The United States has responded cautiously to the latest proposal. President Donald Trump criticised the Iranian response and said it did not meet the conditions required for a lasting agreement. American officials continue to demand stricter limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment programme and stronger international monitoring.
Washington is particularly concerned about Iran’s growing stockpile of highly enriched uranium. International observers say Iran currently possesses uranium enriched up to 60 percent purity, which is far beyond the level needed for civilian nuclear power production, though still below weapons grade material.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has continued to monitor Iran’s activities but has also expressed concern about limited access for inspectors in recent months. The agency has said there is no confirmed proof that Iran is actively building a nuclear weapon, but concerns remain because of the amount of enriched material already produced.
Israel has also strongly opposed any agreement that allows Iran to continue uranium enrichment inside the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated that the conflict surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme cannot truly end unless enriched uranium is removed from Iranian territory completely.
The disagreement over enrichment remains the biggest obstacle in the negotiations. Iran argues that international law allows countries to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, while the United States and its allies fear that the programme could eventually be used to produce nuclear weapons.
The talks are also linked to wider regional tensions. Discussions reportedly include possible sanctions relief for Iran, the release of frozen Iranian financial assets and efforts to reduce military confrontations across the Middle East.
Global oil markets are closely watching the negotiations because of concerns about possible disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil exports. Rising tensions in the region have already pushed oil prices higher in recent weeks.
Diplomats involved in the talks say negotiations remain difficult but are still continuing. Many analysts believe both sides are trying to avoid a larger regional conflict while also protecting their own political and security interests.
For now, the future of the negotiations remains uncertain as both Iran and the United States continue to stand firm on key issues surrounding uranium enrichment and nuclear security.