Iranian President Massud Peseschkian stated Iran is fundamentally willing to hand over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, provided any deal operates within the framework of international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Speaking to Fox News, Peseschkian confirmed, "Yes, within the framework of international law, on the basis of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, we will abide by everything to which we are obligated." The NPT prohibits the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran possesses approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to about 60 percent purity. The IAEA has stated that the quantity could suffice for several nuclear weapons were the enrichment level raised further. IAEA inspectors currently have no access to more than 20 known sites of Iran's nuclear program.
When pressed on why Iran retains highly enriched uranium at all, Peseschkian deflected. "We had conducted negotiations and were prepared to dilute the material on a large scale," he said, adding that the United States subsequently attacked Iran. He also directed criticism at U.S. President Donald Trump, noting that Washington had claimed the uranium was entirely destroyed.
Under a previously agreed framework arrangement, the United States and Iran were meant to resolve through further negotiations how the material should be handled. That agreement, however, expired without extension.
