Tehran proposes creating a consortium of Middle Eastern countries to enrich uranium with American investment, writes The New York Times, citing its sources.
According to the media, on Sunday in Oman, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi presented this plan to the special envoy of the US President, Stephen Witkoff. The Islamic Republic views this initiative as an alternative to Washington's demand for a complete abandonment of the nuclear program. The publication names Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as possible participants in the consortium.
Iran's proposal envisages the creation of a trilateral nuclear consortium, as well as the possibility of Tehran enriching uranium to 3.67% and supplying it to other Arab countries for civilian use.
In addition, the presence of observers from other countries, including US experts, at Iranian nuclear facilities is expected. This agreement, unlike the 2015 deal, will not be limited to a 15-year term, which means it could be indefinite.
On Sunday, Iran and the US held a fourth round of talks, mediated by Oman, to resolve the situation surrounding Tehran's nuclear program. The first round was held on April 12 in Muscat, the second on April 19 in Rome, the third and fourth on April 26 and again on May 11 in the capital of Oman. The Iranian delegation to the consultations was headed by Araghchi, and the American delegation by Witkoff.
On Thursday, Witkoff demanded that the Islamic Republic completely abandon uranium enrichment, which would mean dismantling nuclear facilities in Isfahan, Natanz and Fordow. Commenting on Witkoff's statements on Saturday, Araghchi stressed that Iran would not give up its rights to pursue a civilian nuclear program, including uranium enrichment.