Iran proposes diluting highly enriched uranium in bid for sanctions relief

Iran’s Atomic Energy Chief Makes Comments on Uranium Enrichment Amid Ongoing Negotiations with US

Iran’s atomic energy chief, Mohammad Eslami, made comments to reporters on Monday regarding the country’s stance on diluting its highly enriched uranium. According to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, Eslami stated that Tehran is open to reducing its 60-percent-enriched uranium levels if all sanctions are lifted in return.

Eslami did not specify whether Iran expects the removal of all sanctions or specifically those imposed by the US. Diluting uranium involves mixing it with blend material to reduce its enrichment level. The United Nations nuclear watchdog has reported that Iran is the only state without nuclear weapons enriching uranium to 60 percent.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for a total ban on uranium enrichment, a condition unacceptable to Iran. However, Eslami’s comments suggest flexibility on this demand. Iran maintains it has a right to a civilian nuclear program under the provisions of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which it and 190 other countries are signatories to.

As the head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, prepares to meet with officials from Oman, which is hosting mediated negotiations between the US and Iran, Eslami’s comments come amid ongoing talks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Iran is “very serious in negotiations” and eager to achieve results.

US President Trump said on Friday that the latest round of talks was “very good,” but warned of “steep consequences” for Iran if it does not strike a deal. Trump will meet with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is pushing for a hardline stance in US-Iran negotiations.

Analysts say the US and Iran appear to be pivoting closer to a deal, despite a high risk of conflict. The deployment of an aircraft carrier and accompanying warships to the Middle East has been seen as pressure on Iran to make concessions.

Source: Al Jazeera