Iran ready to freeze uranium enrichment if US eases sanctions

• Iran proposes stopping uranium enrichment for a year in exchange for the unfreezing of Iranian assets by the U.S. and recognition of its right to civilian uranium enrichment.
• Tehran is ready to send part of the enriched stockpile abroad or convert it into civilian products, which is intended to help ease tensions in negotiations with the U.S.
• Iran demands access to $6 billion deposited in Qatar, which were supposed to be unfrozen in 2023 as part of the U.S.-Iranian prisoner exchange.

According to the agency, Tehran expressed its readiness not only to suspend uranium enrichment temporarily but also to transfer some existing stockpiles abroad or convert them into materials for civilian use.

Washington, when asked for comment, emphasized that it had not received an official proposal from Iran.

Reuters' sources noted that a temporary suspension of Iran's enrichment program could facilitate progress in talks with the U.S. and lead to a de-escalation of tensions. At the same time, it could help break the deadlock in nuclear negotiations that have been ongoing since April 12.

Both sides positively assessed the initial stages of the talks, but recently, both Iran and the U.S. have taken more rigid stances. Tehran opposes a complete ban on uranium enrichment and emphasizes the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. Meanwhile, Washington and Israel accuse Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons.

Reuters also reports that Iran expects the unblocking of $6 billion deposited in Qatar. Tehran claims these funds were intended to be unfrozen in 2023 as part of the prisoner exchange with the U.S. Since 2018, many Iranian institutions, including the central bank and the national oil company, have been subject to international sanctions for allegedly supporting terrorism.