Kazakhstan Offers to Host Iran's Enriched Uranium Stockpile

Kazakhstan has offered to take custody of Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium amid discussions concerning Iran's nuclear program, according to a report by the Financial Times cited by Reuters.

An Iranian official stated that Tehran will not transfer its enriched uranium to any third country.

The Financial Times report indicated that Kazakhstan expressed readiness to host Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile if a new nuclear agreement is reached between Tehran and Washington.

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, confirmed that Kazakhstan is prepared to receive approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, a level close to military use.

Iran's uranium stockpile remains one of the most sensitive issues in ongoing negotiations, especially following U.S. and Israeli strikes targeting facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump demands the removal of this stockpile from Iran under international supervision as part of any future understanding, while Iran has so far refused to relinquish its uranium.

Nevertheless, indirect negotiations include proposals such as transferring the stockpile to a third country, reducing the enrichment level, or placing it under temporary international oversight.