Iranian media reported Monday that Tehran's revised peace proposal — delivered via Pakistan as part of indirect talks with Washington — includes transferring its 60%-enriched uranium stockpile to Russia rather than the United States, marking a significant shift from Iran's previous public position that the material "will under no circumstances be transferred anywhere."
The proposal, reported by Saudi broadcaster Al Hadath citing a leaked document, also indicates Iran is ready to freeze its nuclear program for a long period of time, but only on the condition that its highly enriched uranium be transferred to Russian custody. Iran has previously stated it could suspend domestic uranium enrichment activities for up to three years.
Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity sits at approximately 450 kilograms, a concentration level that, with further processing, could potentially yield material for over 10 nuclear weapons. Weapons-grade enrichment typically exceeds 90% purity. The uranium is believed to be located in the underground tunnels at the Isfahan complex and the Natanz enrichment site, both of which were damaged in U.S. and Israeli strikes earlier in the conflict.
Crucially, Iran also dropped its demand for direct U.S. financial compensation in the revised proposal, in favor of economic concessions and international guarantees that would allow Tehran to preserve political credibility. The proposal further offers gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the U.S. lifting its blockade on Iranian ships and ports.
Washington has reportedly already rejected the Russia destination, with U.S. officials suggesting an unspecified third country as an alternative destination for the uranium. Axios sources, citing an unnamed American official briefed on the issue, characterized Tehran's revisions as "token" improvements on the prior version. The Trump administration's stated position remains that U.S. custody is the floor, not the ceiling, of any agreement.
Russia's role in any uranium transfer has been a recurring theme. Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom has confirmed willingness to receive and store the material, citing its 2015 cooperation with Iran under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Russian President Vladimir Putin first floated the proposal in June 2025 and has reiterated it multiple times since. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier this month: "This proposal was made by President Putin in conversations with both the United States and regional states. The offer still stands, but has not been acted upon."
President Trump posted on social media Monday: "For Iran, the clock is ticking, and they better get moving FAST, or there won't be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!" The hardening rhetoric came alongside reports that Trump is considering suspending the U.S. federal 18.4-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax "for a period of time" to cushion U.S. consumer impact from elevated pump prices.
Energy markets reacted to the competing signals. WTI traded between $108 and $105 in Monday's session as Iranian media also reported the U.S. had proposed a temporary waiver on oil sanctions pending a final agreement — a report Washington has not confirmed. Brent swung between $111 and $102 in the same session before settling near $106.
Continuing coverage: Iran · Geopolitics · Oil Prices.