Iran has suggested the establishment of an international uranium enrichment consortium, with participation by Arab countries and American capitalists. The plan was presented as an alternative to US offers of a complete stop to Iran’s nuclear program, as reported by The New York Times, quoting four Iranian sources.
According to the concept, as the sources report, Iran’s uranium will be enriched to 3.67% – below the limit to be utilized for producing nuclear weapons. The enriched fuel can then be sold to Arab countries for their civilian nuclear purposes. Thus, as Tehran is convinced, it will be brought into the limelight and would calm the international community’s fears.
The plan, as the NYT reports, is very similar to that of the 2015 nuclear agreement (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), from which the US withdrew in 2018. Unlike the previous 15-year deal, the new proposal envisions the plant operating indefinitely and permanent international inspectors at Iranian sites.
As reported by the NYT, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had laid out the plan to the special envoy of the Donald Trump administration to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, during negotiations in Oman on 11 May. But Witkoff’s spokesman Eddie Vasquez contradicted the reports, stating that this kind of proposal ‘was never raised or discussed.’
Diplomats and analysts have raised doubts about the realism of the plan. Among the main obstacles are Iran’s deep suspicion of its regional rivals, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and Iran’s lack of diplomatic relations with Washington for more than 45 years. In addition, participation of US private business firms in an Iranian nuclear project seems unlikely due to political and legal constraints. Yet, Iran’s proposal can be seen as an indication of willingness to make concessions and look for alternative ways out of the protracted nuclear conflict. However, there is still a long and difficult road ahead before an international consortium is formed and the relevant agreements are signed.
