Rubio on Iran’s nuclear proposal: Support for reactors, but no enrichment

The United States has signalled its willingness to permit Iran to pursue a civilian nuclear program using reactors for electricity generation, but only under the condition that Iran does not engage in uranium enrichment.

This proposal was articulated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of the third round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran, scheduled for this weekend, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign press.

In a detailed interview, Rubio emphasised that Iran, like many other countries, could import low-enriched uranium for its civilian nuclear program instead of enriching it domestically—a process that could still potentially pave the way for the development of nuclear weapons.

“If Iran wants a civilian nuclear program, they can have it just like many other countries around the world, by importing enriched material,” Rubio explained.

He further stressed, “There is a path to a peaceful, civilian nuclear program if they want it. But if they insist on enrichment, they would be the only country in the world without a weapons program but still ‘enriching’ uranium-containing materials—that’s problematic.”

This stance directly challenges Iran’s long-standing assertion that its nuclear ambitions are purely peaceful. Historical intelligence, including revelations about the once-active AMAD project, which was halted in 2003, has suggested that Iran had previously been working toward developing nuclear weapons capabilities.

The remarks from Secretary Rubio come ahead of the third round of US-Iran nuclear negotiations, which are set to take place in Oman on April 26, 2025. These talks follow an earlier round on April 19, 2025, in Rome and a previous meeting in Oman. The discussions, mediated by Oman, have been led by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Both sides described the talks as “constructive” and have agreed to continue engaging on key issues, including Iran's uranium enrichment program.

The central point of contention remains Iran’s desire to continue uranium enrichment for what it claims is peaceful civilian purposes, while the U.S. demands the dismantling of Iran's enrichment program. The latest round of talks also included agreement on commencing expert-level discussions in Oman on April 23, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for April 26.

These negotiations take place under growing pressure, as President Trump has issued a 60-day ultimatum for significant progress or the possibility of military action. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has cautiously expressed optimism, though Israel has not ruled out taking military action should diplomatic efforts fail.

The indirect U.S.-Iran talks aim to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement, from which the U.S. withdrew in 2018. The goal remains to limit Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of U.S. sanctions, although the situation remains fluid, and the outcome of these negotiations is far from certain.

By Tamilla Hasanova