Reuters: Iran offers to cap uranium enrichment to avoid IAEA resolution

Iran has proposed capping its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels in a bid to avert a resolution against it at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

This offer, however, hinges on Western nations abandoning their push for formal censure over Tehran’s lack of cooperation, according to IAEA reports and diplomats familiar with the matter, Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

One of two confidential reports by the IAEA confirmed that during IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi's visit to Iran last week, discussions centred around halting the expansion of uranium enriched up to 60% purity. The report stated that Iran had "begun implementation of preparatory measures" necessary to pause enrichment, and a senior diplomat noted that the pace of such enrichment had already slowed.

Iran's offer, detailed in the report, includes capping its 60%-enriched uranium stockpile at 185 kilograms, which amounts to its levels from October 26. 

Since the previous update in August 2024, Iran has produced an additional 17.6 kg of uranium enriched to 60% as of October 26. This brings the total to 182.3 kg. According to the IAEA's report, such uranium can be easily enriched to 90%, a level needed to produce one of the key components of a nuclear weapon.

Overall, Iran's uranium stockpiles have grown to 6,604 kg, an increase of 852.6 kg over the same period.

The IAEA also notes that 42 kg of uranium enriched to 60%, if further enriched to 90%, could be used to create a nuclear charge.

Tehran continues to deny any intention of developing nuclear arms.

Western diplomats, however, dismissed Iran's gesture to cap the production as insincere. "Stopping enriching to 60%, great, they shouldn't be doing that in the first place as we all know there's no credible civilian use for the 60%," said one Western diplomat. "It's something they could switch back on again easily."

Diplomats believe the resolution, supported by the United States, Britain, France, and Germany, will likely pass during this week’s IAEA board meeting. The draft condemns Iran’s lack of cooperation with the IAEA and calls for a "comprehensive report" on its nuclear activities. Russia and China remain the only likely dissenters.

Adding to the tension, the second IAEA report revealed that Iran had agreed to consider allowing four experienced inspectors to resume work in the country, following its decision last year to bar most inspectors specializing in enrichment. This move, which the IAEA described as a "very serious blow" to its oversight capabilities, remains unresolved, as diplomats clarified that the new inspectors could not be among those previously expelled.

Grossi’s visit was aimed at resolving broader issues, including unexplained uranium traces at undeclared sites and extending oversight to additional facilities. Despite these efforts, Iran's broader nuclear trajectory remains contentious.

The IAEA resolution is seen as an attempt to pressure Iran into resuming negotiations for fresh restrictions on its nuclear activities. These talks have faltered since the 2015 nuclear deal unravelled following former US President Donald Trump’s withdrawal in 2018. With the deal’s "termination day" formally ending curbs on Iran’s nuclear program in October 2025, the clock is ticking for renewed diplomatic engagement.

Meanwhile, diplomatic uncertainty looms over the incoming US administration. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to adopt a harder stance against Tehran, potentially complicating efforts to revive negotiations. "The aim," one diplomat explained, "is to bring Iran back to the table, but the pathway remains fraught with obstacles."

By Vugar Khalilov