Nuclear chief proposes diluting highly enriched stockpile as rare diplomatic signal follows Oman talks
TEHRAN — Iran has conditionally offered to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, a significant potential concession in its nuclear program, in exchange for the lifting of US sanctions.
The proposal, announced on Monday by Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), signals a possible opening for renewed diplomacy after months of heightened tensions. Eslami did not detail whether the offer required a full removal of US sanctions or a partial easing.
“We are prepared to dilute our enriched uranium if the United States lifts sanctions,” Eslami stated, framing the move as a reciprocal gesture.
The announcement follows what both Iranian and American officials described as “positive and constructive” indirect talks held in Oman last week—a notable shift after a prolonged diplomatic standoff.
Technical Stakes and Strategic Context
Diluting uranium involves blending highly enriched material with other substances to reduce its purity below levels usable for nuclear weapons. Before US and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities last June, Iran had been enriching uranium to 60% purity—far beyond the 3.67% cap set under the 2015 nuclear accord, which has effectively collapsed.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran remains the only non-nuclear-armed country enriching uranium to 60%. Of particular concern to inspectors is the unaccounted status of over 400 kg of highly enriched uranium that was in Iran’s possession prior to last year’s hostilities. The material was last verified by the IAEA on June 10. Experts warn that stockpile, if further enriched to weapons-grade levels, could provide enough fissile material for multiple nuclear devices.
Mixed Messaging from Tehran
While Eslami’s offer hinted at flexibility, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei struck a more defiant tone in a public address on the same day.
“National power is less about missiles and aircraft and more about the will and resolve of the people,” Khamenei told supporters. “Show it again and frustrate the enemy.”
Despite the rhetorical steadfastness, the offer to dilute uranium suggests Tehran is searching for a pathway to de-escalate tensions with Washington and potentially revive some form of nuclear understanding, even as it continues to advance its nuclear capabilities.
US officials have not yet publicly responded to the proposal. The Biden administration has repeatedly stated it is committed to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, using diplomacy where possible but leaving “all options on the table.”
