Iran Signals Nuclear Enrichment Deal If Sanctions Lifted

New Delhi: Iran has said it could dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium if all international sanctions are lifted, according to official statements reported on February 9, 2026.

Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, stated that Tehran may consider reducing uranium enriched up to 60 percent purity. However, he made it clear that such a step would depend entirely on the complete removal of sanctions imposed on Iran.

He also said exporting enriched uranium abroad is not part of Iran’s current plan and that dilution would be the preferred option if an agreement is reached.

Under the 2015 nuclear agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran was limited to enriching uranium to 3.67 percent, a level suitable for civilian energy use. After the United States withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, Iran gradually increased enrichment levels beyond the agreed limits.

Western governments argue that enrichment at 60 percent significantly reduces the time needed to reach weapons grade material, while Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

The latest comments come as indirect talks between Iranian and American officials continue in Oman. The discussions are being mediated by Omani officials in Muscat. Both sides have described the talks as constructive, but major disagreements remain over sequencing and scope.

Iran insists that sanctions must be lifted before it rolls back its nuclear activities. The United States has said that nuclear restrictions must come first before sanctions relief is granted. This disagreement over which side should act first remains one of the main obstacles to progress.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has described the recent round of negotiations as a good start but emphasised that deep mistrust persists.

Iranian officials have repeatedly stated that completely ending uranium enrichment is a red line and that the country will continue enrichment activities with or without a deal, though they signal openness to temporary limits under the right conditions.

Diplomatic engagement is expected to continue in the coming weeks.