Iran Proposes Uranium Deal Amid Nuclear Standoff

TEHRAN — Iran has proposed a new plan to address U.S. concerns over its nuclear program, offering to enrich a portion of its highly enriched uranium stockpile while transferring the remainder to a third, non-American country. The proposal, presented on Saturday, includes guarantees ensuring the material's return should negotiations fail.

The offer comes as tensions remain high between Tehran and Washington over the management of Iran's nuclear capabilities. U.S. officials have previously demanded strict limitations on Iran's overall highly enriched uranium stockpile, citing insufficient guarantees regarding the country's nuclear program. Additionally, American negotiators have insisted on the dismantling of specific nuclear facilities, a demand Iran has consistently refused.

Under the new framework, Iran would retain control over a designated segment of its enriched uranium for domestic purposes. The bulk of the material would be moved to a neutral state outside of U.S. jurisdiction. The arrangement is designed to provide a security mechanism for the United States, ensuring that the uranium could be repatriated to Iran if diplomatic talks collapse.

Negotiators have not yet confirmed the identity of the third country selected to host the uranium. The proposal represents a significant shift in the ongoing diplomatic dialogue, which has stalled over the past several months. U.S. officials have not issued an immediate response to the specific terms of the offer, though the State Department has indicated it is reviewing the details.

The core of the dispute remains the level of enrichment and the transparency of Iran's nuclear activities. While the proposal addresses the stockpile issue, it does not include commitments to dismantle existing facilities, a key sticking point for American policymakers. The United States has maintained that dismantling these sites is essential to prevent the rapid production of weapons-grade material.

Iranian officials stated that the proposal demonstrates a willingness to compromise without surrendering national sovereignty over its energy infrastructure. The offer aims to bridge the gap between Tehran's insistence on maintaining its nuclear program and Washington's security requirements.

Diplomatic channels remain open as both sides assess the viability of the new terms. The proposal leaves several critical questions unanswered, including the timeline for the transfer and the specific legal mechanisms governing the return of the material. Observers note that without agreement on the dismantling of facilities, a comprehensive resolution remains elusive. The international community is watching closely to see if the United States will accept the conditional transfer as a basis for further talks.