Iran Agrees In Principle To Give Up Enriched Uranium In US Talks

Iran has reportedly agreed in principle to surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium as part of an emerging peace framework being negotiated with the United States, according to US officials cited in international media reports. The proposed arrangement is being discussed as part of a broader diplomatic effort aimed at de-escalating long-running tensions between Tehran and Washington, reopening key maritime routes, and laying the groundwork for a wider settlement on nuclear restrictions and economic sanctions.

The reported development comes amid statements by US President Donald Trump, who said the two sides were close to finalising an agreement aimed at ending hostilities and restoring stability in the region. While details remain under negotiation, US officials told The New York Times that Iran has agreed in principle to relinquish its stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium, although the exact mechanism for transfer or neutralisation has yet to be decided.

According to international nuclear monitoring data, Iran currently holds nearly 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to about 60 percent purity, a level close to weapons-grade capability. The issue has long been a central point of contention in negotiations, with Western governments and Israel warning that the stockpile could be further enriched for weapons use. Iranian negotiators had previously pushed to delay any firm commitments on the stockpile, but US officials now claim that a preliminary agreement has been reached as part of an initial framework deal.

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The discussions also include competing proposals on how the enriched material would be handled. One option reportedly under consideration mirrors the 2015 nuclear agreement model, under which Iran transferred portions of its enriched uranium to Russia. Another possibility involves diluting or converting the material to lower enrichment levels, making it unsuitable for weapons production. At the same time, US officials are said to have explored military contingency options targeting underground storage sites, though such plans have not been authorised and remain hypothetical.

Negotiations are also expected to expand into broader issues, including Iran’s future uranium enrichment activities and the release of frozen Iranian assets held abroad. Washington is reportedly pushing for long-term restrictions on enrichment, while Tehran is seeking a shorter timeline and gradual easing of sanctions. Analysts say the inclusion of financial asset relief could serve as a key incentive for Iran to remain engaged in talks, especially after years of economic pressure linked to sanctions.

Despite reported progress, significant disagreements remain, and officials on both sides have cautioned that the agreement is not yet final. The proposed deal is still in its early stages, with detailed technical negotiations expected over the coming weeks. Observers note that while the potential surrender of enriched uranium would mark a major diplomatic breakthrough, the success of any final agreement will depend on how both sides bridge gaps over verification mechanisms, enrichment limits, and long-term enforcement.

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