Iran offers year-long uranium halt for asset unblocking deal
Iran is considering suspending uranium enrichment for one 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 the Iranian authorities.
What do you need to know?
- Iran proposes to halt uranium enrichment for a year in exchange for the unfreezing of Iranian assets by the US and recognition of its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes.
- Tehran is ready to send some of the enriched stockpiles abroad or convert them into civilian products, which is intended to help ease tensions in negotiations with the US.
- Iran demands access to $6 billion ($8.3 billion CAD) deposited in Qatar, which was supposed to be unfrozen in 2023 as part of a US-Iran prisoner exchange.
According to the agency, Tehran declared its readiness not only to temporarily suspend uranium enrichment but also to transfer some of the existing stockpiles abroad or convert them into materials intended for civilian use.
Washington, when asked for a comment, emphasized that it has not officially received such a proposal from the Iranian side.
Reuters' sources noted that the temporary suspension of Iran's enrichment program could allow progress in talks with the US and lead to a de-escalation of tensions. At the same time, it would help break the deadlock in the nuclear negotiations, which have been ongoing since April 12.
Why is Iran demanding asset unfreezing?
The initial stages of talks were assessed positively by both sides, but recently both Iran and the US have adopted tougher 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 ($8.3 billion CAD) deposited in Qatar. Tehran claims these funds were supposed to have been unfrozen in 2023 as part of the prisoner exchange with the US. Since 2018, many Iranian institutions, including the central bank and the national oil company, have been subject to international sanctions for supporting terrorism.
