Russia, China surface as potential brokers in US-Iran nuclear talks

Lead

As the United States and Iran engage in ceasefire negotiations, the question of what to do with Iran's stockpile of 60% enriched uranium has emerged as a central sticking point. Recent reports and statements point to possible roles for both China and Russia in resolving the issue, with each country being floated as a potential destination for the material.

Coverage comparison

The Jerusalem Post reported that Iran may consider transferring its 60% enriched uranium to China. The report noted that the material currently lies beneath the rubble of bombed nuclear facilities but could potentially be quickly weaponized. According to the newspaper, multiple media reports have carried the same indications, and China has not denied them. A response from the Chinese Foreign Ministry appeared to leave the possibility open.

TASS, meanwhile, has highlighted Russia's proposal to take Iranian enriched uranium out of the republic. The Russian state news agency reported that President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed on May 9 that Russia's previous proposals remain on the table, and quoted experts who said the idea could break the deadlock in Tehran-Washington negotiations and serve as a starting point for expanded bilateral dialogue between Moscow and Washington.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also been involved. TASS reported, citing IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, that the agency has been holding talks with Russia and other countries on the possibility of removing enriched uranium from Iran. Grossi described it as a complex operation requiring political approval.

Key claims

• The removal of 60% enriched uranium is one of the main goals of the current US-Iran negotiations, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
• Iran may consider transferring its 60% enriched uranium to China; China has not denied the reports and has left the possibility open, according to the Jerusalem Post.
• The Chinese Foreign Ministry has stated its willingness to play a constructive role in the political and diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, as quoted by the Jerusalem Post.
• Russia has proposed taking Iranian enriched uranium out of the republic, according to TASS.
• IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi noted that the operation to remove enriched uranium from Iran requires political approval, as reported by TASS.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed that Russia's previous proposals for the removal of Iranian enriched uranium remain on the table, according to TASS.

Perspectives

China: In response to a question at a press conference, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said: "Since the outbreak of the war between the US, Israel, and Iran, China has maintained close communication with all relevant parties, including Iran, and has been working tirelessly to stop the fighting and promote peace." The ministry added that China has "consistently supported the peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiation" and is "willing to continue to play a constructive role in the political and diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue."

Russia: President Vladimir Putin said on May 9 that Russia's proposals on taking Iranian enriched uranium out of the republic remain on the table. "I believe this is a sound proposal. If all parties agree, Iran can be confident that these materials will be safely transferred to a friendly country that continues to cooperate with Iran in the atomic energy sector," Putin said, according to TASS.

US-based expert: Jennifer Kavanagh, senior fellow and director of the military analysis program at the Washington-based think tank Defense Priorities, told TASS that the US "should take Putin's offer to take Iran's HEU." She said that if the US and Russia could work together to solve Iran's nuclear issue, "it could be the starting point for expanded bilateral dialogue, including talks on strategic stability."

Russian-Iranian Business Council: Oleg Akulinichev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian-Iranian Business Council under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told TASS that Russia's proposal could satisfy all parties involved. He said Iran would receive assurances that its uranium remains secure, as Russia is a partner in the Bushehr nuclear power plant, while the United States would be assured that the uranium will not be diverted for weaponization. He also noted that talks between Washington and Tehran are currently on hold, awaiting developments from upcoming visits by Trump and Putin to Beijing.

IAEA: Director General Rafael Grossi said that the operation to remove enriched uranium from Iran is complex and requires political approval. "What's going to be important is that that material leaves Iran," he said, adding that the material could be mixed with other materials to reduce its enrichment level.