BEIJING/WASHINGTON: China has signaled its readiness to take possession of or dilute Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, a move that could break the deadlock in nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The offer concerns approximately 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of highly enriched uranium stored at Iranian nuclear facilities — the same material U.S. President Donald Trump has said must be removed from Iran as a condition of any agreement. The uranium is believed to be held at sites damaged in U.S. airstrikes in June 2025.
Beijing has presented two options: transfer the material to Chinese territory or dilute it on-site to a grade suitable for civilian use. The proposal emerged after Trump initially sought to have the United States take custody of the stockpile itself, a source said. China stepped forward after it became clear Washington and Tehran had not agreed on that approach.
The development echoes a key provision of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, under which Iran shipped roughly 11,000 kilograms of low-enriched uranium to Russia to comply with the deal’s terms. China could now assume a comparable role.
Signs of broader diplomatic progress accompanied the announcement. Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz open to navigation, a decision Tehran said came amid a halt in hostilities in Lebanon and the continuation of a 10-day ceasefire. U.S. and Iranian negotiators are also reported to have made significant headway in talks, with a memorandum of understanding expected as a next step. A comprehensive agreement could follow within approximately two months, sources said.
