Iran has decided against exporting its 300kg highly enriched uranium stockpile but is open to reducing its purity under the supervision of the IAEA, Iranian sources revealed.
This proposal is set to be a key component of Iran’s forthcoming offer to the US, as President Donald Trump contemplates utilizing the significant naval presence in the Middle East for potential action against Iran.
Simultaneously, protests erupted at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences and two Tehran universities, leading to street clashes. The universities had reopened after being shut down amidst protest fears. At Sharif University, students chanted protest slogans against the regime.
In response, the university president appealed to the students to end the protests to prevent moving classes back online. Iranians had revived their protest slogans to mark the 40th day since a significant number of casualties during demonstrations on January 8 and 9.
Meanwhile, US special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed curiosity over Iran’s reluctance to comply and curb its nuclear activities. He emphasized the need for Iran to demonstrate a willingness to cooperate under the current pressure.
As tensions escalated between the US and Iran, Trump’s advisors advised him to prioritize addressing economic concerns of voters, cautioning about the political risks associated with military escalation leading up to the upcoming midterm elections.
Amidst these developments, Iran possesses a stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent, near weapons-grade level, but is prepared to reduce the purity to 20 percent or lower.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that the US has not requested Iran to completely halt its enrichment activities within the country. The focus remains on the level of enrichment purity and the permissible number of centrifuges.
Discussions had previously centered on potentially sending the stockpile to Russia and integrating Iran’s enrichment program with an international consortium. However, Iranian sources deny any mention of a consortium in the negotiations.
Iranian officials reiterated their stance that nuclear materials will not leave the country. The extent of access granted to the IAEA for inspecting nuclear facilities will be crucial in determining the outcome of negotiations.
