Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed a plan aimed at easing the escalating tensions in the Middle East, but the suggestion was politely declined by Donald Trump. According to a report by Axios, Putin suggested transferring Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium to Russia as a way to reduce tensions and address international concerns over Iran’s nuclear program. The proposal was reportedly discussed during a recent phone call between the two leaders earlier this week.
Iran is currently believed to possess nearly 450 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 percent, a level that experts say could be upgraded to weapons-grade material within a short period of time. Analysts estimate that the stockpile could potentially be used to produce more than ten nuclear weapons if further enriched. As a result, securing or neutralizing these uranium reserves has become a major strategic objective for the United States and Israel. However, reports suggest Trump was not convinced that transferring the material to Russia would ensure it remains permanently out of Iran’s reach.
A similar arrangement had previously been implemented under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, when Iran shipped part of its low-enriched uranium stockpile to Russia as part of the international deal. Given its advanced nuclear infrastructure, Russia has once again put forward the idea as a possible diplomatic solution to the current crisis. The proposal had also reportedly surfaced during discussions held in May last year.
Despite this, the Trump administration appears determined not to compromise on Iran’s enriched uranium reserves under the current circumstances. Officials have indicated that their priority is to ensure the complete security and control of Iran’s nuclear materials. By declining Russia’s proposal, Washington is believed to be attempting to maintain pressure on Tehran as geopolitical tensions in the region continue to rise.