WANA (May 20) – Recently, some Western media outlets have reported on an alleged Iranian proposal to establish a nuclear consortium—but how accurate are these claims, and what is Tehran’s official stance?

 

Western reports claim that during indirect talks with the United States, Iran suggested forming a consortium with multiple countries that would allow it to continue uranium enrichment for civilian nuclear fuel purposes under increased oversight.

 

According to The New York Times, citing four Iranian officials familiar with the matter, Iran proposed a joint uranium enrichment initiative involving regional Arab countries and possibly U.S. investment. This initiative was presented as an alternative to Washington’s demand for dismantling Iran’s nuclear program.

 

The report claims Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi raised this idea in the latest round of indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington in Oman with Steve Fietkoff, the U.S. special envoy.

An Iranian newspaper with a cover photo of Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, is seen in Tehran

An Iranian newspaper with a cover photo of Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, is seen in Tehran, Iran, April 12, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

A Key Difference from the JCPOA

The report states that a potential agreement might resemble the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), allowing Iran to enrich uranium up to 3.67%. However, a major difference would be the involvement of representatives from other countries—possibly including the U.S.—to provide additional oversight and participation in the production and use of nuclear material.

 

Unlike the JCPOA, which had a 15-year time limit, the proposed consortium framework is described as a permanent arrangement.

 

Following the Araghchi-Fietkoff meeting, both sides reportedly described the discussions as constructive and promising. Talks are expected to continue at the expert level, focusing on nuclear facilities and sanctions-related financial issues.

 

The report also suggests that if implemented, countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia could potentially participate in this initiative. However, it’s unclear whether these states are willing to cooperate with Iran on a joint nuclear project, despite their support for de-escalation and an agreement between Tehran and Washington. Both countries are also pursuing their own peaceful nuclear programs.

 

Earlier, The Guardian also claimed that Iran proposed forming a nuclear consortium with Saudi Arabia and the UAE during the Tehran-Washington negotiations. According to that report, Iran sees this as a way to involve Gulf countries in its position on continued enrichment.

 

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaee, attends a press conference in Tehran

Only One Negotiation Channel Exists, Enrichment Non-Negotiable

WANA (May 19) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei, in a press conference, addressed various issues, stressing that the only ongoing negotiations between Iran and the U.S. are conducted by Iran’s Foreign Minister and the U.S. President’s special envoy. He denied the existence of any parallel negotiations, as speculated by some Western media.   […]

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Iranian Officials Deny the Nuclear Consortium Proposal

Despite the media buzz, Iranian officials have presented a consistent stance on uranium enrichment and the alleged consortium.

 

On Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei Kani stated clearly: “Uranium enrichment is a fundamental part of Iran’s nuclear industry and is not negotiable. It is not a luxury that Iran can be asked to suspend or abandon.”

 

He emphasized that enrichment is both a technological need and the result of years of hard work and sacrifices by Iranian scientists. “It is a right under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and a national achievement that cannot be relinquished.”

 

Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi also addressed the issue, saying: “We have not discussed any nuclear consortium, though some ideas have been suggested. If it becomes a serious matter, we may consider and comment on it.”

 

Baghaei Kani went further in his Monday press conference, clarifying:
“Iran has never proposed a nuclear consortium. It is not a new concept—it has been discussed by various parties in past negotiations over the last two decades.”

 

He explained that the rationale behind such a consortium is the growing nuclear energy needs in West Asia and the Gulf region. Countries may eventually require nuclear fuel for new power plants, making it reasonable to consider creating regional fuel production facilities.

 

“If such an initiative emerges, Iran welcomes it and would be willing to participate,” he said. “However, this would not replace Iran’s domestic enrichment capabilities. If the goal is to stop enrichment inside Iran, that will not happen.”

 

In conclusion, while media reports suggest Iran is pushing for a nuclear consortium as part of negotiations, Iranian officials have firmly denied proposing such an idea—though they remain open to regional cooperation on peaceful nuclear energy, so long as it does not undermine Iran’s right to enrich uranium domestically.