Putin offers to host Iran's 60% enriched uranium to end war
Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed transferring Iran's enriched uranium to Russia during a call with the U.S. President Donald Trump this week. The proposal, intended as a cornerstone for ending the ongoing conflict, was rejected by the White House, according to sources cited by Axios.
The securing of 450 kilograms of Iranian uranium enriched to 60% remains a primary objective for the U.S. and Israel. This material possesses a "breakout" window of mere weeks and is sufficient for more than 10 nuclear warheads.
Putin’s offer aimed to eliminate Iran's nuclear stockpile without requiring U.S. or Israeli ground forces. Russia, an established nuclear power, previously served as a depository for low-enriched material under the 2015 nuclear deal.
U.S. strategic rejection
A U.S. official confirmed the proposal has surfaced before but remains unacceptable. "The U.S. position is that we must see the uranium secured," the official stated, emphasizing that Washington seeks direct oversight rather than Russian mediation.
The rejection comes amid heightened tensions. While the U.S. and Israel have discussed deploying special forces to secure the stockpiles, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that Washington maintains a "range of options," including voluntary surrender by Tehran.
Shifting alliances
President Trump recently acknowledged Russia’s role in assisting Iran’s war effort. Speaking to Fox News Radio, Trump suggested that Moscow might be providing intelligence to target U.S. forces in retaliation for Western support of Ukraine.
While Trump remains open to negotiations with global leaders including Xi and Putin, the administration maintains a "Prestige Deal" standard. Regarding the nuclear stockpile, Trump noted: "We’re not focused on that right now, but at some point, we might be."
Translation by Iurie Tataru
