Iran refusing to export highly enriched uranium but willing to dilute purity, sources say

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Patrick Wintour Diplomatic editorFebruary 21, 2026 at 05:55 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Amidst rising tensions and potential military action from the US, Iran is preparing to offer a proposal regarding its enriched uranium stockpile. Iranian sources indicate that while Iran refuses to export its 300kg stockpile of highly enriched uranium, it is willing to dilute its purity under IAEA supervision, potentially to 20% or below. This offer will be presented to the US in the coming days as President Trump considers military options. Iranian officials claim the US is focused on enrichment purity and centrifuge numbers, not a complete cessation of enrichment, a claim contradicted by the US ambassador to the UN. The outcome of this proposal and the level of IAEA access granted will likely influence Trump's decision on military intervention.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Israel 30% Russia 40% Middle East 40% Reza Nasri 40% Mike Waltz 50% Donald Trump ×260% Abbas Araghchi ×270% International Atomic Energy Agency ×270% United States ×780% Iran ×1490%

Keywords

uranium enrichment 100% highly enriched uranium 90% nuclear program 80% iaea 70% down-blend 60% diplomatic negotiations 60% military action 60% stockpile 50% nuclear weapons 50%