An Iranian official said that the nuclear issue and sanctions have been deferred to a second stage, with no final decision yet on the enriched uranium stockpile, and that Iran aims to resolve the issue by reducing enrichment levels within the country. On the Strait of Hormuz, the official stated it will remain under Iranian-Omani supervision but that its future management will differ from the past. Iran has also consulted with China and other countries on the matter, according to reports.
A fresh Iranian statement clarifies key parameters of ongoing nuclear talks and maritime security arrangements, coming just hours after Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said dilution of enriched uranium was Tehran's preferred option.
According to the official cited, the nuclear issue and sanctions relief have been pushed to a second-stage agreement, with no final decision yet on the fate of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile — estimated at over 460 kg of near-weapons-grade 60% material. The official indicated that Tehran prefers resolution through reducing enrichment levels inside Iran, not by shipping material abroad. The position aligns with Iran's repeated insistence — covered extensively in The Zioneer's prior reporting — that any reduction in enrichment levels must occur on Iranian soil.
Separately, the official addressed the strategic Strait of Hormuz, stating that while it will remain under joint Iranian-Omani supervision, its management regime will change from the past. Iran said it has consulted with China and other countries on the matter. The statement appears to signal potential adjustments to the navigation protocol through the vital oil chokepoint, through which about 20% of the world's petroleum transits.
It remains unclear whether the second-stage timeline for the nuclear issue has a specific deadline. The Iranian denial earlier this month of an alleged agreement to transfer enriched uranium to a third country — reported by The Zioneer — continues to shape expectations as negotiations proceed.
2 developments
- StrongIran says talks with Oman on managing Strait of Hormuz continue
- StrongBloomberg: Iran softens line on European mine clearance in Strait of Hormuz
- DevelopingIsraeli analysis: Iran nuclear talks postponed, enrichment unresolved
- StrongIran: Strait of Hormuz management is solely Iran and Oman's responsibility, toll collection continues
Source and signal
- Open-source intake