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Tehran agrees to give up its enriched uranium stockpile amid US-Iran tensions. Amidst months of tension and war-like situation between America and Iran, news of a major diplomatic success has come to light. According to the information, Iran has agreed to give up its huge reserves of highly enriched uranium. This is the same nuclear material that the US and Israel have long considered the greatest and immediate threat to Iran’s nuclear weapons program.

How dangerous is Iran’s uranium reserves?

According to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimates, Iran currently has about 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity. Israeli intelligence and military officials apparently estimate that if this existing stockpile is further purified (to weapons grade level), it could produce several nuclear bombs. This is the main reason why US President Donald Trump has been making this issue an essential condition for talks. Trump had earlier publicly referred to the uranium stockpile as “nuclear dust” and issued a stern warning that military options were completely on the table if diplomatic talks failed.

How did the threat of using military force create pressure?

According to the information, quoting US officials, it is revealed that Iran was not ready to make any concrete promises on its uranium reserves in the initial deal. Tehran’s position was that this sensitive issue should be raised in the subsequent phased talks. On this, the American negotiating team took a very tough stance and sent a direct message that if no agreement is reached on this important issue in the initial phase, then America can immediately leave the negotiating table and start military action.

The report further states that as a precautionary measure, the US military had prepared several detailed options for a possible attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. These options included heavy bunker-buster attacks to destroy underground nuclear facilities, direct bombing of the major nuclear facility at Isfahan, and even a joint commando operation involving US and Israeli special forces. However, President Trump did not approve of the risky commando operation.

The method of disposal of uranium has not been decided yet

According to the report, Tehran has given a general and in-principle agreement that it is ready to give up the enriched uranium it has. However, it is not yet completely clear how this deadly nuclear material will be ultimately disposed of. The final decision on whether this uranium will be handed over to a third country, destroyed or kept under strict international surveillance is yet to be taken in the upcoming round of talks.

Steps are being taken towards a comprehensive deal

Meanwhile, another report claims that a comprehensive agreement is being drawn up between the US and Iran, which is not limited to the nuclear issue alone. The proposed package is to many important provisions to avoid total war. If the deal is finalized, it would entail an immediate 60-day ceasefire. In addition, the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for global oil supplies, will be reopened for shipping and Iran will remove sea mines laid there. In return, the US could agree to lift the naval blockade of Iranian ports and provide substantial relief to Iran’s oil exports.