Russia Expects Iran to End 60% Enrichment Soon

Head of the Russian delegation to the nuclear negotiations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov is optimistic that the parties could reach tangible results by June.

Ulyanov told the Echo of Moscow that the US decided to return to the nuclear agreement, noting that the parties might soon reach an agreement on various issues, including the sanctions imposed on Iran.

The diplomat expects Iran to end the 60 percent enrichment soon, stressing that the nuclear deal is the most ideal solution for all regional parties.

Ulyanov said the only possible option is to restore the nuclear agreement in its entirety and original form, noting that it is very difficult to set a timeline to announce a completion in the negotiations.

He added that since the beginning of April, Washington has taken a very pragmatic stance, and a political decision to return to the deal, noting that they are working seriously in this direction.

The diplomat revealed some of the current discrepancies, explaining that the discussion revolves around the sanctions that must be lifted and the steps that Iran must take so that it can be said that it has returned to full compliance.

Ulyanov is confident these “issues will be solved,” indicating that the Iranian official position is that Washington should take all the required steps, and then Tehran will do whatever is required.

However, he believes this scenario is not possible, saying that the situation requires compromises.

Ulyanov added that the “sabotage operations” that targeted Iran led to the development of the nuclear program. He hinted that after restoring the deal, the nuclear verification mechanism would be reinstated.

“In principle, the Iranians are ready for that, but on the condition that their interests are taken into account,” he noted.

Sanctions are also being negotiated, but Ulyanov did not go into details, revealing that the Iranians are asking for lifting all sanctions imposed under former President Donald Trump.

The US has three lists of sanctions: red, green, and yellow. Red is non-negotiable, yellow is negotiable, and green is what they are ready to lift and covers the majority of economic sanctions.

Iranian officials are demanding compensation from the United States for withdrawing from the nuclear deal, which Ulyanov believes is natural and possible through the development of active economic and trade relations.

Regarding the Russian Iranian cooperation at the Bushehr station, Ulyanov refused to discuss any details, however, he asserted that this issue would have a positive outcome.

Iran is a member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and this grants Tehran the right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy including building a nuclear power plant, said the diplomat.

He warned that denying Iran this right will give it every reason to discuss abandoning its non-proliferation obligations.

The best option for all parties to ensure the success of the nuclear deal is if Tehran achieves its economic gains and strengthens its international position, as other parties are ensured that Iran does not have nuclear weapons.