Iran proposes year-long uranium halt for asset unfreezing deal
Iran is considering suspending uranium enrichment for one year in exchange for recognition of its right to a civilian nuclear programme and the unblocking of Iranian financial assets, Reuters reported, citing two sources close to Iranian authorities.
What you need to know
- Iran proposes stopping uranium enrichment for a year in exchange for the unfreezing of Iranian assets by the USA and recognition of the 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 £5 billion deposited in Qatar, which was 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.
Washington, when asked for comment, emphasised that it had not officially received such a proposal from the Iranian side.
Sources cited by Reuters noted that a temporary suspension of Iran's enrichment programme could allow progress in talks with the USA 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 12 April.
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 taken more rigid stances. Tehran opposes a complete ban on uranium enrichment and emphasises the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. Meanwhile, Washington and Israel accuse Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons.
Reuters also reports that Iran expects the unblocking of £5 billion 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.
