Putin calls on Iran to sign 'zero enrichment' nuclear deal

This information was reported by Axios, citing its sources familiar with the matter.

Differences in Russia's positions

Russia has long served as a key diplomatic partner for Iran on nuclear matters. Publicly, Moscow has traditionally supported Tehran's right to enrich uranium, but Putin's private conversations following the recent 12-day Iran-Israel war indicate a more decisive stance. According to information from European and Israeli officials, Moscow encouraged Iran to accept a "zero enrichment" agreement, which would mean a complete ban on uranium enrichment on Iranian territory.

Russian authorities also informed the Israeli government of Putin's position on the matter. A senior Israeli official confirmed: "We know that's what Putin told the Iranians." The Russian president also raised the issue in telephone calls with Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron last week.

The attacks by Israel and the United States severely damaged Iran's nuclear facilities but did not completely destroy its highly enriched uranium resources. It is unclear whether Iran's uranium enrichment centrifuges survived the attacks.

Donald Trump has expressed a clear desire to conclude a new nuclear deal with Iran. According to sources, one of the key US demands will be a complete cessation of Iran's uranium enrichment. Tehran, in turn, has long emphasized that maintaining its uranium enrichment capacity is essential for any future agreement.

Russia supports the deal, Iran disappointed

Putin and other Russian officials have repeatedly expressed support for the "zero enrichment" agreement in recent weeks and encouraged the Iranians to negotiate a mutually beneficial outcome. However, a European diplomat familiar with the talks admitted that Iran has no intention of considering such a solution.

Putin's stance is particularly significant in the context of the extensive support Iran has provided Russia during the conflict in Ukraine, including hundreds of drones and missiles. Following the 12-day war, Iranian authorities were disappointed by the lack of significant assistance from Russia beyond official statements.

The Russians have made it clear that they are prepared to withdraw Iran's highly enriched uranium stocks if a deal is reached. At the same time, Moscow has declared that it will supply Iran with 3.67% enriched uranium for energy purposes, as well as small amounts of 20% enriched uranium for Tehran's research reactor and isotope production, intended for peaceful purposes.