Trump Rejects Putin’s Offer to Resolve Iran Nuclear Issue
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump has turned down a proposal from Russian President Vladimir Putin to transfer enriched Iranian uranium to Russia, a move that could have potentially de-escalated tensions in the Middle East. The offer, made during a phone call between the two leaders this week, was aimed at resolving the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, according to Axios.
A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Axios that the proposal wasn’t seriously considered. “This isn’t the first time this offer has been made. It was not accepted. The U.S. position is that we need to ensure the supply of uranium,” the official said. The official further emphasized Trump’s negotiating stance: “The President talks to everyone – Xi, Putin, the Europeans – and he is always ready to make a deal. But it has to be a good deal. The President doesn’t make bad deals.”
The Kremlin’s plan was presented as part of a broader effort to end the ongoing conflict. Neither the White House nor the Kremlin has publicly commented on the discussions.
This isn’t the first time Russia has floated such an idea. Similar proposals were made during nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran last May, before U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June. Iran previously rejected the idea of a transfer, suggesting instead that it would dilute the uranium within its own facilities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
According to Axios, Iran currently possesses approximately 450 kilograms (992 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60%, bringing it within weeks of having enough material for a nuclear weapon. Estimates suggest this is sufficient to produce more than ten nuclear bombs. Neutralizing or seizing this stockpile is a primary objective of the U.S. and Israel in the current conflict.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Friday that the U.S. has “multiple options” for gaining control of Iran’s highly enriched uranium, including the possibility of Iran voluntarily relinquishing its stock, a scenario Washington would “welcome.” He declined to elaborate on specific plans, stating, “I will never tell this group or the world what we are prepared to do or how far we are prepared to go, but we have options, certainly.”
Reports have also indicated discussions between Washington and Tel Aviv regarding the potential deployment of special forces into Iran to secure the nuclear arsenal at a later stage of the war. Trump, in a recent interview with Fox News Radio, downplayed the immediate urgency of the issue, stating, “We’re not focused on that right now, but that could change at some point.”
The situation remains fluid as the conflict continues to escalate, with the potential for further military action and diplomatic maneuvering.
