WANA (Jun 02) – Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s representative to the international organizations in Vienna, has stressed that any transfer of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles abroad would require Tehran’s approval, adding that it is still too early to speculate about the future of these nuclear materials.

 

In a post on X, Ulyanov responded to recent remarks by Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stating that exporting Iran’s enriched uranium is not necessarily required and could only take place with the consent of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

 

He also pointed to alternative options, noting that if the relevant parties reach an agreement, Iran’s enriched uranium could be diluted within the country. For this reason, he said, it remains premature to predict or speculate about the eventual fate of the material.

 

The Russian diplomat’s comments came after Grossi, in an interview with Al Jazeera, described the transfer of Iran’s uranium stockpiles abroad as one of the options under consideration for addressing the issue. Referring to the technical complexities and sensitivities involved, the IAEA chief said such a move would be difficult but could be implemented with the agency’s cooperation and oversight.

 

Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles have once again become a key topic in diplomatic discussions in recent weeks. Tehran has repeatedly emphasized that any decisions regarding its nuclear program must be made within the framework of Iran’s international rights and obligations and in accordance with the country’s national interests.

 

While proposals concerning the transfer or dilution of uranium stockpiles have been raised, Iranian officials continue to insist on Iran’s right to pursue a peaceful nuclear program under the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). They have also stated that issues related to the nuclear file will be addressed at an appropriate time and within an agreed negotiating framework.