Iran's "Tasnim" agency, citing an informed source: Putin did not send a message to Iran regarding halting enrichment

Iran's "Tasnim" agency, citing an informed source: Putin did not send a message to Iran regarding halting enrichment

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has announced that Moscow is ready to assist Iran in removing excess enriched uranium from the country. This offer comes as part of Russia's commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was signed in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 group. The JCPOA aimed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions [1].

Lavrov made this announcement during a press briefing on Monday, recalling that Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously emphasized Russia's capacity to offer services related to uranium processing. The foreign minister noted that Russia has reiterated its technological capability to assist in processing high-grade enriched uranium and returning it to Iran for use in nuclear power plants, if such an arrangement is agreeable to both parties [1].

The JCPOA collapsed after the U.S. withdrawal in 2018, but recent talks between Washington and Tehran have resumed with Omani mediation. In this context, Moscow has reaffirmed its readiness to help mediate the situation. Lavrov stressed that if Iran, as the principal party, expresses interest, Russia would not delay offering support [1].

This development comes amid ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran over enrichment limits. The U.S. and Israel targeted Iran's nuclear facilities in June, prompting Iran to reject U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that Tehran seeks talks with the United States. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson dismissed Trump's remarks as a "desperate attempt to project strength amid Washington's declining credibility" [3].

The offer from Russia to assist Iran in processing excess enriched uranium is a significant step towards de-escalation and could potentially pave the way for a renewed commitment to the JCPOA. However, the success of this initiative will depend on the willingness of all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue and find a mutually acceptable solution.

References:
[1] https://al24news.dz/en/lavrov-russia-ready-to-remove-excess-enriched-uranium-from-iran/
[3] https://www.newsweek.com/iran-contradicts-donald-trump-talks-2095925