Iran Proposes Uranium Enrichment Consortium with Gulf States Amid Ongoing Nuclear Talks
In a move to ease tensions over its nuclear program, Iran suggests collaboration with Saudi Arabia and the UAE for uranium enrichment.
Iran has recently proposed a consortium involving Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) aimed at uranium enrichment, a strategy designed to counter US opposition to its existing enrichment activities.
This proposal emerges as Tehran seeks to solidify regional support and demonstrate goodwill amid ongoing negotiations with the United States regarding its nuclear program.
The consortium concept would allow Gulf states to access Iranian technological capabilities, effectively making them stakeholders in Iran’s nuclear processes.
This move is viewed by Tehran as a significant concession, potentially fostering a cooperative framework for nuclear energy in the region.
Although it remains uncertain whether the proposal was formally discussed during the latest round of talks in Oman, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reportedly been advocating for it.
Following the discussions in Oman, Araghchi continued to Dubai for talks with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's foreign minister, underscoring the importance of Gulf cooperation in Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Notably, the UAE does not currently have uranium enrichment capabilities.
The envisaged consortium would operate from Iranian facilities, adhering to the 3.67% enrichment threshold established by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 nuclear agreement that the US exited in 2018. The US has firmly insisted that Iran cease all enrichment activities and dismantle its nuclear facilities; nevertheless, President Trump has yet to make a definitive decision regarding this stance while acknowledging Iran’s engagement in the talks.
The idea of a regional uranium enrichment consortium was originally proposed in a 2023 article by former Iranian negotiator Seyed Hossein Mousavian and nuclear physicist Frank von Hippel, prior to the resumption of Tehran-Washington dialogues.
Under this plan, UAE and Saudi Arabian entities would provide funding and contribute expertise while gaining insights into Iranian technology, potentially alleviating fears regarding the military applications of Iran’s nuclear program.
Support from neighboring states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE could provide additional oversight, potentially reducing the reliance on inspections solely conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Iran has gradually surpassed the enrichment levels prescribed by the 2015 deal, reaching a current production rate of 60% purity, significantly exceeding the civilian threshold and nearing the 90% required for weapons-grade material.
In recognition of escalating tensions, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi has indicated a willingness to accept temporary constraints on enrichment under certain conditions.
In ongoing developments, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized that Iran’s current enrichment levels far exceed civilian needs.
Meanwhile, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi referred to the emergence of 'useful and original ideas' during the talks, signaling a desire for constructive dialogue toward an acceptable agreement.
The UAE has made strides in peaceful nuclear energy, operating the Barakah civil nuclear power plant, the first fully operational facility of its kind in the Arab world.
The plant is expected to supply approximately a quarter of the UAE’s electricity demand.
This proposal emerges as Tehran seeks to solidify regional support and demonstrate goodwill amid ongoing negotiations with the United States regarding its nuclear program.
The consortium concept would allow Gulf states to access Iranian technological capabilities, effectively making them stakeholders in Iran’s nuclear processes.
This move is viewed by Tehran as a significant concession, potentially fostering a cooperative framework for nuclear energy in the region.
Although it remains uncertain whether the proposal was formally discussed during the latest round of talks in Oman, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reportedly been advocating for it.
Following the discussions in Oman, Araghchi continued to Dubai for talks with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's foreign minister, underscoring the importance of Gulf cooperation in Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Notably, the UAE does not currently have uranium enrichment capabilities.
The envisaged consortium would operate from Iranian facilities, adhering to the 3.67% enrichment threshold established by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 nuclear agreement that the US exited in 2018. The US has firmly insisted that Iran cease all enrichment activities and dismantle its nuclear facilities; nevertheless, President Trump has yet to make a definitive decision regarding this stance while acknowledging Iran’s engagement in the talks.
The idea of a regional uranium enrichment consortium was originally proposed in a 2023 article by former Iranian negotiator Seyed Hossein Mousavian and nuclear physicist Frank von Hippel, prior to the resumption of Tehran-Washington dialogues.
Under this plan, UAE and Saudi Arabian entities would provide funding and contribute expertise while gaining insights into Iranian technology, potentially alleviating fears regarding the military applications of Iran’s nuclear program.
Support from neighboring states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE could provide additional oversight, potentially reducing the reliance on inspections solely conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Iran has gradually surpassed the enrichment levels prescribed by the 2015 deal, reaching a current production rate of 60% purity, significantly exceeding the civilian threshold and nearing the 90% required for weapons-grade material.
In recognition of escalating tensions, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi has indicated a willingness to accept temporary constraints on enrichment under certain conditions.
In ongoing developments, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized that Iran’s current enrichment levels far exceed civilian needs.
Meanwhile, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi referred to the emergence of 'useful and original ideas' during the talks, signaling a desire for constructive dialogue toward an acceptable agreement.
The UAE has made strides in peaceful nuclear energy, operating the Barakah civil nuclear power plant, the first fully operational facility of its kind in the Arab world.
The plant is expected to supply approximately a quarter of the UAE’s electricity demand.
