Iranian uranium in the great power game Beijing’s stake

As part of efforts to resolve the confrontation in the Middle East, China—following Russia—has also expressed its willingness to take custody of Iran’s stockpiles of enriched uranium.

The proposal concerns the transfer of approximately 440 kg of highly enriched uranium to China, according to Associated Press (AP). The source notes that Beijing is considering either physically transporting the material to its territory for storage or carrying out a downblending procedure—reducing the level of enrichment to make it suitable for use in civilian energy.

Earlier, Vladimir Putin proposed transporting enriched uranium from Iran to Russia as part of a potential agreement to end the war. However, the United States rejected this proposal. According to insiders, the White House insists on guarantees for the safe storage of nuclear materials and therefore does not consider the Russian option acceptable.

Thus, it is worth examining the key motives behind China’s initiative regarding Iranian uranium. Given the pragmatism of China’s policy and its authority within the international system, there is little doubt that Chinese interests lie at the core of this initiative.

First and foremost, China’s acquisition of Iranian uranium—should the deal materialise—would offer Beijing a number of advantages, particularly in the energy sphere. As is well known, China is rapidly expanding its nuclear energy sector, primarily to meet growing electricity demand and to achieve its stated goal of phasing out coal-fired power plants by at least 2060. The country’s ambition to become a global leader in the nuclear field is evident both in the construction of new reactors and in the development of its indigenous technologies, such as Hualong One.

According to experts, the purchase of Iranian uranium—including low-enriched material—would help reduce dependence on suppliers from Australia, Canada, Kazakhstan, and Russia, thereby strengthening China’s energy security. At the same time, Iran represents a particularly convenient partner for Beijing in this regard, as it remains under persistent Western sanctions.

Thus, China would be able to acquire Iranian uranium on highly favourable terms, including through barter arrangements, while simultaneously helping Tehran sustain its economy under sanctions pressure. Put simply, if implemented, this deal would be mutually beneficial for both sides—Chinese and Iranian alike.

Secondly, by deepening cooperation with Iran, China would further consolidate its position in the Middle East—an objective of clear strategic importance amid its ongoing geopolitical competition with the United States.

However, as in any matter, the Iran–China partnership also has its downside. In particular, Beijing is unlikely to be genuinely interested in Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, as it generally adheres to a policy of non-proliferation and does not supply military nuclear technologies to the Iranian side. China limits itself to purchasing Iranian oil, thereby reducing the impact of sanctions and indirectly helping Iran withstand Western pressure.

On the other hand, the position of official Tehran should not be overlooked. In light of this stance, the Chinese initiative regarding Iranian uranium—like that of any other country—appears doomed to fail, despite any potential benefits of such a deal. According to Tasnim news agency, Iran categorically rules out the possibility of transferring its enriched uranium to Russia, China, or Pakistan, as stated by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, who called such claims false.

Thus, taking this fact into account, one is led to the conclusion that China’s “uranium initiative” is nothing more than a diplomatic manoeuvre aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East and reducing Washington’s concerns about the potential military use of uranium by Tehran. In other words, Beijing is using every opportunity to assume the role of a mediator capable of influencing Iran and finding constructive solutions as an alternative to sanctions or military action.

Whether China will be able to accomplish this far-from-easy mission amid the broader confrontation in the Middle East remains to be seen. However, given the position of the Islamic Republic’s authorities, the question of transferring Iranian uranium currently appears to remain unresolved.