US Demands Iran Dismantle Nuclear Facilities and Surrender Uranium Stockpile
Istanbul – The United States has demanded that Iran dismantle its primary nuclear development facilities and surrender all enriched uranium stockpiles to Washington in an agreement without expiration date, according to US media reports.
This was conveyed during the third round of nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday, according to Wall Street Journal reporting citing officials.
On this occasion, the US side reportedly pressured Iran to close three main nuclear development facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, as well as to hand over all enriched uranium stockpiles they possess—estimated at approximately 10,000 kilograms—to the US.
Washington also demanded that any agreement reached be permanent with no time limitations.
Regarding nuclear enrichment, the US maintains a zero-tolerance policy, though the US side may possibly permit Iran to operate a reactor in Tehran, but only for low-level enrichment processes and extremely limited medical purposes.
Previously, on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that Iran is currently not conducting uranium enrichment.
However, Washington is only offering minimal sanctions relief initially, with promises of further relief if Iran demonstrates continued compliance in the future, said US officials.
Axios reported that negotiations in Geneva proceeded in two formats—indirectly and directly between US and Iranian negotiators, though both parties have not openly acknowledged direct negotiations.
The US has also signalled flexibility regarding Iran’s request to retain uranium enrichment rights, provided that Tehran can provide assurance that this does not lead to nuclear weapons development.
Although Washington ultimately desires Iran to reduce ballistic missile development and support for regional proxies, these issues are not the focus of discussions as this round of negotiations concentrates on nuclear matters.
The Geneva negotiations represent the longest of the three negotiating sessions held under Omani mediation, lasting more than 3.5 hours and expected to continue.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeli Baghaei described the negotiations as proceeding in an atmosphere of “intensity and seriousness,” with both sides having submitted “significant and practical proposals” regarding nuclear issues and sanctions relief.
Baghaei also highlighted “contradictory statements” from certain US officials in the negotiation process.
The US has yet to issue any statement regarding negotiations with Iran.