Putin Pressures Iran to Accept ‘Zero Enrichment’ Deal in Nuclear Talks July 12, 2025 Moscow / Tehran / Washi

[ad_1]
📰 Putin Pressures Iran to Accept ‘Zero Enrichment’ Deal in Nuclear Talks
🗓️ July 12, 2025
📍Moscow / Tehran / Washington D.C.

📄 Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly urged Iran to accept a “zero uranium enrichment” condition as part of a potential nuclear agreement with the United States, according to multiple sources cited by Axios. The proposal, if confirmed, represents a strategic pivot by Moscow — a key Iranian ally — signaling a willingness to align with Western non-proliferation objectives in exchange for diplomatic leverage.

Putin reportedly conveyed this stance during recent phone calls with U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, and also relayed similar messages to the Israeli government. Russia is said to have assured that it could assist in removing highly enriched uranium from Iran if a new nuclear deal is finalized.

European sources indicate that Russia offered to supply Iran with low-enriched uranium at 3.67% for civilian energy needs, and limited 20% enriched uranium for research reactors and isotope production — under strict international oversight. However, Iranian officials have outright rejected any discussion of “zero enrichment,” calling it an unrealistic demand.

Tehran, through semi-official media such as Tasnim News Agency, denies that such a message was ever sent from Putin, emphasizing that any nuclear agreement must acknowledge Iran’s right to enrichment. Iran maintains that a return to the 2015 nuclear deal framework is only possible if the U.S. abandons maximalist positions and lifts sanctions.

This development comes just weeks after the Trump administration’s second term launched a surprise airstrike on an Iranian nuclear facility, escalating tensions further. Meanwhile, secret backchannel talks between U.S. envoy Stephen Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are reportedly ongoing to explore paths for renewed negotiations.

If Putin’s alleged position is verified, it would mark a rare instance of Moscow distancing itself from Tehran’s hardline nuclear stance — potentially to protect broader strategic interests. However, Iran’s rejection signals that any breakthrough remains distant unless the U.S. offers tangible concessions. Western powers may exploit the perceived rift to pressure Iran into compliance, while Tehran could leverage the situation to portray itself as the sole defender of regional sovereignty.

The complexity of nuclear diplomacy is once again underscored as traditional alliances show signs of tactical divergence. While Russia’s apparent support for zero enrichment aligns with Western security goals, Iran’s unwavering insistence on sovereign rights suggests a protracted stalemate, unless a major shift occurs in the negotiating frameworks.

🔗 Reported from Moscow, Russia – World News War Correspondence Desk

---