Photo: UPI Photo/imago images
The world's gaze has once again turned to the center of the nuclear threat and global political games. The telephone conversation between the US and Russian leaders was expected to ease tension in the Middle East, but the White House responded "no" to another Kremlin initiative. Zamin.uz reveals the details behind the scenes of this complex diplomatic process.
According to information released by the Axios portal on March 13th of this year, US President Donald Trump rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal regarding Iranian nuclear reserves. We are talking about the export of 450 kilograms of uranium, enriched up to 60 percent, stored in Iran, to Russian territory.
450 kilograms of uranium: Why is it so dangerous?
This idea, put forward during the meeting between Putin and Trump on March 9th, is a strategically sensitive issue.
- Step for the bomb: it takes only a few weeks to bring 60% enriched uranium to the level of weapons (90%).
- Arsenal scale: Experts believe that the available 450 kilograms of reserves is sufficient to create at least 10 nuclear bombs.
White House suspicion and diplomatic investigations
American officials emphasized that Washington does not believe that the transfer of uranium to Russia fully guarantees security. The most important condition for the USA is the absolute safety of the storage of substances and the preservation of control over them. It is noteworthy that Trump is actively discussing this crisis not only with Moscow but also with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and European allies.
Is the military solution on the table?
As the situation escalates, the US and Israel are also considering sending special forces to take physical control of Iran's nuclear facilities. According to US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegset, Washington has "a number of options," but they still prefer the voluntary transfer of reserves.
Looking back at history: As part of the famous 2015 nuclear agreement (JCPOA), Russia received 11 tons of Iranian uranium and provided raw materials in exchange. However, in 2018, Trump withdrew from the deal, accusing Tehran of secretly creating weapons.
Iran's position: Intolerance or tactics?
Tehran categorically refused to hand over its wealth directly to the US. They proposed liquefying uranium in their territory, under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). However, neither this option nor the proposal to transfer part of the reserves to Russia satisfied Washington.
In your opinion, is Putin's proposal really an opportunity to end the war, or is it a move aimed at increasing Russia's influence in the region? Won't Trump's categorical refusal exacerbate the situation?
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