Iran signals it could dilute enriched uranium if US lifts all sanctions

2026-02-09 - 21:35

Iran has signaled a potential concession in stalled nuclear negotiations, with its atomic energy chief stating Tehran could dilute its stock of highly enriched uranium if all US sanctions are lifted. Mohammad Eslami's comments on Monday come as indirect talks between Iran and the United States resumed in Muscat, Oman, after an eight-month hiatus following a major regional conflict. Conditional Offer on Uranium Enrichment Speaking to reporters in Tehran, Eslami stated that a "possible dilution" of uranium enriched to 60% purity is contingent on the complete removal of sanctions. However, he categorically dismissed reports, which he attributed to external "pressure groups," that Iran is considering transferring its enriched uranium out of the country. "This matter has not been on the agenda at all," he emphasized regarding such a transfer. Context of Ongoing Negotiations The talks in Oman, mediated by Omani officials, represent a renewed diplomatic effort amid heightened regional tensions and a recent US military buildup in the Persian Gulf. A key media focus has been the fate of approximately 400 kilograms of enriched uranium, with speculation that Washington has requested its relocation to a third country—a demand senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader advisor Ali Shamkhani, have repeatedly rejected. IAEA Criticism and Historical Context Eslami also criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for "remaining silent" on US airstrikes against Iranian nuclear sites at Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz in June 2025. He affirmed Iran's continued interaction with the UN watchdog within safeguard agreements. Under the original 2015 nuclear deal, Iran was limited to 3.67% enrichment. It escalated to 60% after the US unilaterally withdrew from the pact in 2018, making the current stockpile a central bargaining chip.