Kazakhstan offers to host Iran’s enriched uranium in nuclear deal

Kazakhstan has indicated it is willing to host Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium as part of a potential nuclear agreement between Washington and Tehran, Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told Financial Times.

Grossi said the proposal emerged during his meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana, suggesting the Central Asian state could provide a secure storage location. “We have a place where this could be stored safely,” Grossi said, referring to the IAEA’s low-enriched uranium bank in Kazakhstan, adding that such an arrangement “could be” acceptable to both sides.

The fate of Iran’s roughly 440kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity remains one of the most contentious issues in ongoing negotiations. US President Donald Trump has insisted the material be removed from Iran, stating it must “either be immediately turned over to the United States . . . or, preferably, in conjunction with the Islamic Republic of Iran, destroyed in place,” or handled at “another acceptable location” under international oversight.

While Tehran has publicly rejected handing over the stockpile, sources say it may agree to discuss either diluting or transferring it as part of a broader deal. The proposed agreement would extend a fragile ceasefire by 60 days, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and establish a framework for further nuclear negotiations.

A US official said negotiators have reached a memorandum of understanding, though Trump has yet to approve it. Vice-President JD Vance cautioned that “we’re not there yet,” noting the uranium stockpile remains a key sticking point.

The material is believed to be stored beneath damaged nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan, which were targeted during US strikes in last year’s conflict with Iran. Experts warn that, if further enriched to 90%, the stockpile could be sufficient for around 10 nuclear weapons.

Grossi stressed that a final decision on the uranium would depend on future talks, but maintained that “it’s always possible” for both sides to reach an agreement.

By Tamilla Hasanova