Iran may consider transferring its uranium to China

Amid ongoing U.S.-Iran ceasefire negotiations, Iran is reportedly considering transferring its 60% enriched uranium to China. This uranium, currently stored beneath bombed nuclear facilities, could potentially be weaponized quickly.

“

Since the outbreak of the war between the US, Israel, and Iran, China has maintained close communication with all relevant parties, including Iran, and has been working tirelessly to stop the fighting and promote peace.

Multiple media outlets have reported these indications, and China's Foreign Ministry has not denied them, with a spokesperson suggesting the possibility remains open. In a press conference Tuesday, the ministry stated that China has maintained close communication with all relevant parties, including Iran, since the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran began. China has been working to stop the fighting and promote peace.

“

We will continue to uphold the spirit of President Xi Jinping's four-point proposal and play a positive role in restoring peace and tranquility to the Middle East and the Gulf region as soon as possible.

The ministry further elaborated on its stance regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, affirming consistent support for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and negotiation. "We will continue to uphold the spirit of President Xi Jinping's four-point proposal and play a positive role in restoring peace and tranquility to the Middle East and the Gulf region as soon as possible," a spokesperson said. China also expressed willingness to "continue to play a constructive role in the political and diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and promote peace and stability in the Middle East and the world."

“

Regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, we have consistently supported the peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiation, and hope that all relevant parties can seize the opportunity to reach a solution that takes into account the legitimate concerns of all parties through negotiations.

It remains unclear whether Iran's proposal to involve China is a genuine shift in its negotiating position or a strategic maneuver to pressure the United States. Under the 2015 Obama nuclear deal, Iran transferred nearly all its medium and low-enriched uranium to Russia. However, trust between the U.S. and Russia, as well as China, has significantly diminished since then, with several bilateral nuclear arms agreements lapsing during the Trump administration and after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

“

We are also willing to continue to play a constructive role in the political and diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and promote peace and stability in the Middle East and the world.