Russia has once again signaled it is ready to step in and help manage Iran’s enriched uranium, as diplomatic efforts around the conflict continue to evolve.
Speaking in Beijing, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow is prepared to “play a role” in resolving the issue, outlining several possible approaches.
These could include converting highly enriched uranium into fuel-grade material or transferring part of Iran’s stockpile to Russia for storage.
Lavrov stressed that any arrangement must respect Iran’s rights. “Whatever solution is chosen must not violate Iran’s inalienable right like any other country to pursue nuclear energy for peaceful purposes,” he said.
Russia’s position echoes its role in the 2015 nuclear agreement, where it helped remove significant quantities of enriched uranium from Iran in exchange for sanctions relief and tighter international oversight of Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Moscow also backed Iran politically after the United States withdrew from the deal during the first term of Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, China has voiced support for renewed diplomacy between Washington and Tehran.
Responding to reports of a possible second round of talks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing welcomes any effort that could lead to a ceasefire and bring an end to hostilities.
He also commended Pakistan’s role in easing tensions, describing its mediation efforts as “fair and balanced.”
Behind the scenes, China is believed to have been quietly encouraging Iran to stay engaged in negotiations a view also echoed by Trump, who suggested Beijing played a part in nudging Tehran toward a ceasefire.
With major powers like Russia and China stepping in, diplomatic momentum appears to be building, even as key disagreements particularly over Iran’s nuclear programme remain unresolved.
