Proposal to transport enriched uranium from Iran to Russia remains on table — diplomat

Detailed summary

Russia proposed transferring Iranian enriched uranium to Russian territory for 'dilution,' Maria Zakharova reminded

MOSCOW, November 11. /TASS/. Moscow’s proposal to transport Iranian enriched uranium to Russian territory for "dilution" remains on the table, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters.

"Russia proposed transferring Iranian enriched uranium to Russian territory for 'dilution.' Russian specialists have the necessary technology and equipment, as well as the relevant experience. This was our initiative, put forward with the firm understanding that any decision on Iranian nuclear material rests solely with Tehran. This proposal remains on the table," the diplomat noted, responding to a question about what assistance Russia is ready to provide to reduce the level of uranium enrichment in Iran.

"If other options are put forward now, though I think it's probably too early to discuss that, Russia will certainly consider them. For the discussion to be substantive, however, the Iranians themselves need to decide on their next steps. Depending on that, we can then discuss the technical aspects and modalities of verification, and so on," Zakharova emphasized.

The spokeswoman confirmed that the enriched uranium belongs to Iran. "Its presence in the country does not violate Iran’s obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. I will emphasize once again that it is solely up to the Iranian authorities to decide what to do with it," the diplomat added.

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