Iran Offers Uranium Dilution for Comprehensive Sanctions Relief

Iran Signals Flexibility on Uranium Enrichment

Tehran, Iran – Iran has signaled a potential willingness to dilute its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity, provided that all international sanctions against the country are fully lifted. The statement was made on Monday, February 9, 2026, by Mohammad Eslami, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization.

Eslami's remarks, reported by the official IRNA news agency, followed a resumption of indirect talks between Iranian and American diplomats in Muscat, Oman, mediated by Omani officials. These discussions marked the first engagement after an eight-month hiatus.

Context of High-Level Enrichment and Sanctions

Iran's current enrichment level of 60% significantly surpasses the 3.67% limit set by the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal. The country began escalating its enrichment activities after the United States unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposed sanctions.

As of May 2025, Iran's stockpile of 60% enriched uranium was reported to be over 400 kilograms. This level of enrichment is considered a short technical step away from weapons-grade uranium, which typically requires 90% purity. Experts note that approximately 42 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium is theoretically sufficient to produce one atomic bomb if further enriched. The reported 400 kg could be enough for multiple nuclear weapons.

Eslami emphasized that the possibility of dilution is contingent on the complete removal of sanctions, though he did not specify whether this referred to all international sanctions or solely those imposed by the United States. He also dismissed reports suggesting Iran would transfer its enriched uranium out of the country, stating that such a move has 'not been on the agenda at all'.

International Scrutiny and Recent Developments

The offer comes amid heightened tensions and international scrutiny of Iran's nuclear program. The JCPOA, which aimed to limit Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, officially expired on October 18, 2025.

Eslami also used the opportunity to criticize the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for 'remaining silent' on US airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. These strikes, which also involved Israel, reportedly caused severe damage to Iran's enrichment capabilities. Despite this, Eslami affirmed Iran's continued interaction with the UN watchdog within the framework of safeguard agreements.

The international community continues to monitor Iran's nuclear advancements closely, with many nations, including the US, expressing concerns that Iran's program could be directed towards developing nuclear weapons, a claim consistently denied by Tehran.