Iran's new nuclear proposal: Regional solution for Middle East stability

Proceeding from a new article, The New York Times unveils that Iran has put forward a bold proposal for a regional nuclear enrichment project involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), potentially with US investments, in a bid to address Washington’s demand for Tehran to dismantle its nuclear programme. 

The idea was introduced by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Oman.

The proposal, which was revealed by Iranian media, suggests that Iran would enrich uranium to a low level, well below weapons-grade, and then export it to neighbouring Arab countries for peaceful civilian purposes. If adopted, the plan would mirror the 2015 nuclear deal but with the key difference of involving representatives from other countries, possibly including the US, to provide additional oversight.

Although the idea has sparked debate within Iran, with some outlets questioning its legitimacy, it could mark a significant shift in the longstanding standoff between Tehran and Washington. The plan offers a potential compromise that addresses several US concerns by limiting Iran's nuclear capacity while introducing a more permanent solution compared to the 2015 agreement, which had a 15-year expiration clause.

US officials have not yet responded to Iran’s proposal, and it remains unclear whether Saudi Arabia and the UAE are open to joining the venture. Both countries, which have expressed concerns about regional stability, are also working on their own nuclear programmes. Iran’s approach could alleviate immediate fears about nuclear proliferation in the region while potentially fostering diplomatic cooperation.

The future of these talks remains uncertain, but both sides have described the negotiations as productive, with further discussions set to focus on technical and financial details.

By Naila Huseynova