Iran offers enrichment halt for frozen assets, nuclear rights
Iran is considering suspending uranium enrichment for a year in exchange for recognition of its right to a civilian nuclear program and the unblocking of Iranian financial assets, Reuters reported, citing two sources close to Iranian authorities.
What do you need to know?
- Iran proposes stopping uranium enrichment for a year in exchange for the USA unfreezing Iranian assets and recognizing its right to civilian uranium enrichment.
- Tehran is prepared to send part of its enriched stockpile abroad or convert it into civilian products, which is intended to help ease tensions in negotiations with the United States.
- Iran demands access to CAD 6 billion deposited in Qatar, which were supposed to be unfrozen in 2023 as part of the US-Iranian prisoner exchange.
According to the agency, Tehran declared its readiness not only to suspend uranium enrichment temporarily but also to transfer some existing stockpiles abroad or convert them into materials intended for civilian use.
When asked for comment, Washington emphasized that it had not officially received such a proposal from the Iranian side.
Sources from Reuters noted that a temporary suspension of Iran's enrichment program could facilitate progress in talks with the United States and lead to a de-escalation of tensions. At the same time, it would help break the deadlock in nuclear negotiations that have been ongoing since April 12 at 8 a.m. Eastern Time.
Why is Iran demanding the unfreezing of assets?
Both sides positively assessed the initial stages of the talks, but recently, both Iran and the USA have adopted more rigid stances. Tehran opposes a complete ban on uranium enrichment and emphasizes the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. Meanwhile, Washington and Israel accuse Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons.
Reuters also reports that Iran expects the unblocking of $6 billion CAD deposited in Qatar. Tehran claims that these funds were intended to be unfrozen in 2023 as part of a prisoner exchange with the United States. Since 2018, many Iranian institutions, including the Central Bank and the national oil company, have been subject to international sanctions for supporting terrorism.
