NYT: Iran will dilute rather than hand over uranium stockpile as part of deal with US

The United States and Iran are nearing an agreement to permanently end hostilities, according to a report by The New York Times citing U.S. officials and diplomats. The negotiations, mediated by Pakistan, have focused on four main points aimed at resolving the conflict that began with a joint U.S.-Israeli offensive in February.

The proposed deal includes Iran agreeing to an extended suspension of its uranium enrichment activities, the dilution of its existing enriched uranium stockpile, the dismantling of its nuclear facilities, and granting international nuclear watchdogs the right to conduct snap inspections. U.S. officials are reportedly seeking a 20-year suspension of enrichment, while Iran initially offered 10 years, with expectations of a compromise around 15 years.

A significant point of contention has been Iran's stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium. While Israeli officials had been assured by President Trump that such material would be removed from Iran, the Times report suggests the U.S. will not require its removal. Instead, the plan involves working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to dilute the stockpile within the country.

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it’s gotta be a real 20 years

The IAEA estimates Iran possessed 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to 60% prior to alleged attacks on its nuclear facilities in June 2025, though the current amount is unclear. Iranian sources indicate a belief among top officials that exporting the uranium would increase the country's vulnerability to future attacks by the U.S. and Israel.

Despite President Trump's recent claims that U.S. forces could remove the enriched uranium even without a deal, citing it as "entombed," the reported agreement focuses on dilution rather than removal, signaling a potential shift in strategy.

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there’s no reason to” because “It’s entombed” and therefore cannot be accessed by the regime anyway.