Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev said Russia is ready to assist in transferring enriched uranium out of Iran, a move that could significantly impact the geopolitical landscape surrounding Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Speaking via Rosatom’s official publication, Likhachev noted that while technical challenges exist, the main obstacle remains deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran, complicating any potential agreement.
He pointed out that Russia has prior experience in such arrangements, recalling its role in 2015 when, at Iran’s request, it facilitated the transfer of enriched uranium under international agreements. He said Moscow is prepared to play a similar role again if required.
The statement comes at a sensitive moment, shortly after Donald Trump claimed that a new deal with Iran was “very close” and suggested Tehran had agreed to hand over around 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium. Iran, however, swiftly rejected the claim, stating that no such agreement exists.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry reiterated that it will not give up its nuclear enrichment rights, maintaining that they are protected under international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Officials dismissed Western reports about its nuclear programme as unfounded and said external pressure cannot strip the country of its rights.
Tehran also noted that any progress in talks, including those reportedly facilitated by Pakistan, would require agreement on a broader framework first, adding that detailed negotiations on sensitive issues are premature at this stage.
