Iran Ready To Dilute 60 Percent Enriched Uranium If All Sanctions Are Lifted, Says Atomic Energy Chief

Iran has signalled that it may be willing to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, but only if all sanctions against the country are lifted. The statement came as negotiations between Tehran and Washington resumed, placing renewed global focus on Iran's nuclear programme and the growing geopolitical tensions surrounding it.

Iran Links Uranium Dilution To Sanctions Relief

According to Iran's official IRNA news agency, Atomic Energy Organization chief Mohammad Eslami addressed the possibility during recent discussions.

"In conclusion, in response to a question about the possibility of diluting 60 percent enriched uranium... the head of the Atomic Energy Organization said that this depends on whether all sanctions would be lifted in return," the agency reported, without clarifying whether the demand applied to every sanction on Iran or only those imposed by the United States.

The development comes at a sensitive time, with diplomatic efforts attempting to prevent further escalation over Tehran's nuclear capabilities.

What Is Uranium Dilution And Why Does It Matter?

Uranium dilution refers to the process of mixing highly enriched uranium with lower-grade or natural uranium to bring down its enrichment level. This step is crucial because uranium enriched to around 90 percent can be used in nuclear weapons.

Highly enriched uranium, such as material at 60 percent purity, is considered dangerously close to weapons-grade. By reducing the concentration, the material becomes significantly less capable of being weaponised.

Iran's Enrichment Raises Global Alarm

Before US and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities in June last year, Iran had been enriching uranium to 60 percent, far above the 3.67 percent cap established under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signed in 2015.

Western nations, led by the United States, suspect Tehran is attempting to develop nuclear weapons, an accusation Iran has consistently denied.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has reported that Iran remains the only non-nuclear-weapons state enriching uranium at this level. Inspectors last verified the location of more than 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium on June 10, but its current whereabouts remain unknown. Experts warn that if the material were enriched further to 90 percent, it could be sufficient to build more than nine nuclear bombs.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded a complete ban on Iran's enrichment activities, a condition Tehran considers unacceptable and more restrictive than the 2015 framework.

Iran, however, continues to argue that it has the right to pursue a civilian nuclear programme under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, an agreement joined by over 190 countries.

US Warns Ships To Avoid Iran Waters

Amid the heightened tensions, the United States has issued fresh guidance to American vessels travelling through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

The advisory released by the United States Maritime Administration stated, "It is recommended that US-flagged commercial vessels transiting these waters remain as far as possible from Iran's territorial sea without compromising navigational safety. When transiting eastbound in the Strait of Hormuz, it is recommended that vessels transit close to Oman's territorial sea."

The warning highlights the fragile security situation in one of the world's most critical energy corridors, where even minor confrontations can have global economic consequences.