Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed transferring Iran’s enriched uranium to Russia for storage.

Speaking at a press conference in Moscow on Saturday (May 9), Putin stated that Russia had previously removed Iran’s enriched uranium in 2015 and remains prepared to do so again if necessary.

The Russian President noted that all parties involved in the current conflict had initially agreed to a proposal to move the enriched uranium out of Iran.

However, he claimed the United States later toughened its stance, insisting that the uranium must be transported specifically to the U.S., prompting Iran to firm up its own position.

Putin emphasized that Russia remains in constant contact with both the U.S. and Iran, expressing hope that the conflict will conclude shortly.

No Immediate Reaction from Tehran
Iran has not yet officially responded to Putin’s remarks regarding the uranium transfer. The United States has long expressed concern over Iran’s nuclear program, with the American administration aiming to ensure Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon.

According to data from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Tehran currently possesses approximately 440 kg of uranium enriched to 60%.

Increasing this to the 90% purity required for a nuclear weapon is technically straightforward. Experts suggest this stockpile is sufficient to produce multiple nuclear warheads.

Potential Peace Deal on the Horizon
Various media reports suggest that the U.S. and Iran are nearing the signing of a one-page Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to end the ongoing hostilities.

According to Axios, the terms of the potential deal include:

• Iran: To suspend its uranium enrichment program.
• United States: To lift economic sanctions and release billions of dollars in frozen assets.
• Maritime Safety: Both parties would agree to lift restrictions on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.