Putin Offers to Store Iran's Enriched Uranium on Russian Soil

On Saturday, Vladimir Putin once again proposed to both Iran and the United States that Russia could store Iran's enriched uranium within its borders. This suggestion aims to break the deadlock in negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program amidst the ongoing conflict initiated by Washington and Israel against the Islamic Republic.

The Russian president made this announcement during a press conference following the Victory Day celebrations over Nazi Germany in Moscow. He argued that Russia had previously implemented a similar arrangement in 2015 under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), when it transported approximately 300 kilograms of Iranian uranium enriched to 19.75% from the Fordow plant to Russia's Novouralsk facility, with the consent of all parties, including Israel.

"Our proposal remains on the table. I believe it is a sound proposal. If accepted, Iran can be completely assured that it is transporting its (nuclear) material to a friendly country," Putin stated.

However, the Russian leader acknowledged that this mechanism fell apart after the United States hardened its stance and Iran subsequently rejected the option, preferring to store its uranium domestically. "The important thing is to de-escalate the situation, but it seems that neither the U.S. nor Israel would accept that. That's what happened. And the situation has hit a deadlock, to speak frankly," he admitted.

This proposal comes at a time of heightened tension. The war initiated by the U.S. and Israel on February 28, 2026, with Operation Epic Fury, destroyed between 80% and 95% of Iran's nuclear infrastructure and led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, causing Brent crude prices to soar from $67 to over $126 per barrel.

According to Rafael Grossi, the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran currently has around 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, with approximately 200 kilograms stored in underground tunnels at the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center. Grossi confirmed on Friday that "there is currently no enrichment activity" in the country.

Negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain at a standstill. Iran submitted a 14-point peace plan on May 1 that deliberately excludes nuclear negotiations from the current phase, while the U.S. demands a 20-year moratorium on uranium enrichment and the complete dismantling of the nuclear program.

Iran, on the other hand, proposes a pause of only five years, though sources suggest a possible compromise of between 12 and 15 years. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Bagaei indicated that Tehran is considering the latest U.S. proposal.

Putin warned that if the conflict intensifies and leads to "an increase in the level of confrontation, everyone will lose," acknowledging that the situation places Moscow "in a difficult position" due to its simultaneous ties with Tehran, the Persian Gulf countries, and Washington.

The Russian president added that Russia wishes to continue cooperating with Iran on civil nuclear energy, including the Bushehr plant on the Persian Gulf coast.

President Donald Trump stated on Friday that he awaits an Iranian response to the U.S. proposal and did not rule out reactivating military operations in the Gulf if dialogue does not progress. "In my view, there are no longer interested parties in continuing this confrontation," Putin concluded.