Iran has reportedly informed Al Jazeera that it refuses to transfer its uranium stockpiles outside its territory but is prepared to enrich uranium under the direct supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), signaling a potential shift in its nuclear negotiating position. This new offer, which includes a readiness to dilute highly enriched uranium to levels of 3.7% and 20%, comes as a direct response to proposals from the United States, aiming to de-escalate long-standing nuclear tensions and potentially open avenues for renewed diplomatic engagement.
Context of Iran’s Nuclear Program
The Islamic Republic’s nuclear program has been a source of international concern for decades, primarily over fears that it could be weaponized. In 2015, Iran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with global powers, agreeing to significant restrictions on its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. This agreement limited uranium enrichment to 3.67% purity and capped stockpiles, with stringent IAEA monitoring.
However, the JCPOA began to unravel in 2018 when the United States unilaterally withdrew from the deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran. In response, Tehran incrementally scaled back its commitments under the agreement, increasing uranium enrichment levels to 60% purity and significantly expanding its stockpile of enriched uranium, far beyond the limits set by the JCPOA.
These actions have intensified scrutiny from the IAEA and Western nations, who have repeatedly called for Iran to return to full compliance with the nuclear deal. Diplomatic efforts to revive the JCPOA have stalled, with both Washington and Tehran demanding concessions from the other side, leading to a prolonged stalemate and heightened regional instability.
Iran’s New Offer: Domestic Enrichment and Dilution
According to an Iranian source speaking to Al Jazeera, Iran’s latest proposal marks a departure from previous discussions, which at one point included a
