Russia Offers to Convert Iran Nuclear Material Amid US-Iran Standoff

Russia has expressed its readiness to assist in resolving the nuclear dispute between the United States and Iran by removing and converting Iran's highly enriched uranium into fuel suitable for civilian reactors. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov emphasized Moscow's willingness to provide both political support and practical help, including exporting excess nuclear material from Iran and adapting it for reactor fuel. This offer aims to narrow U.S.-Iranian differences amid concerns over Iran's rapidly advancing uranium enrichment program, which many Western and Gulf countries fear could lead to nuclear weapons development. Russian President Vladimir Putin communicated to President Donald Trump his readiness to leverage Russia's close relationship with Iran to facilitate negotiations. However, Trump has expressed skepticism about Iran's willingness to halt enrichment activities. The Kremlin has stated that Russia's assistance depends on agreement from both the United States and Iran, suggesting a potential collaborative effort to ease tensions over Iran's nuclear ambitions.