Istanbul: Ali Shamkhani, a senior political adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, stated that there is ‘no reason’ for Iran to transfer its enriched uranium beyond its borders. This declaration comes as Tehran readies itself for nuclear discussions with Washington in Istanbul set for Friday. One of the primary issues at hand is Iran’s accumulation of approximately 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, which US officials have argued should be relocated out of the country.
According to Anadolu Agency, Shamkhani emphasized Iran’s capability to lower uranium enrichment to 20 percent, which he believes negates the necessity of transferring the material abroad. However, he underlined that any such action must be met with ‘reciprocal concessions and compensation’ from the United States.
On the preceding Monday, Ali Bagheri-Kani, deputy head of Iran’s top security body, rejected the notion of moving enriched uranium out of Iran. He expressed confidence that an agreement could be reached through dialogue and negotiation, provided the current ‘atmosphere of threats’ is set aside.
Shamkhani, who is also a senior member of the newly formed National Defense Council established after the 12-day conflict with Israel, reiterated that Iran’s defense doctrine prohibits the production or possession of nuclear weapons. He noted that during previous rounds of talks, which stalled following the skirmish in June last year, Iran consistently communicated that it neither seeks nor is progressing toward nuclear armament, aligning with statements from other Iranian officials.
Addressing the stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent, Shamkhani clarified that the material was not created for military purposes, asserting that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful and its capabilities are self-developed. He remarked that Iran is currently in ‘a real state of war’ and is ‘fully prepared for any scenario,’ though he insisted that military readiness does not equate to a desire for conflict.
Shamkhani mentioned that proposals have been relayed to Tehran. If these proposals ‘are free of threats and arrogance and include reasonable conditions, there is hope of preventing a catastrophe,’ he remarked. He acknowledged that negotiations are still in their early stages, but expressed optimism that military confrontation can be avoided.
He specified that Tehran is prepared for practical talks solely with Washington, not with any other party, criticizing Europe for its ‘inability to take effective action.’ Shamkhani also noted that several regional countries have assured they will not permit their territories to be used for assaults on Iran, adding that Tehran has intelligence on the origins of threats against Iran from last June.
Shamkhani warned that Israel and the United States should not be considered separate entities, cautioning that any US attack would involve Israel and Iran would ‘respond proportionately.’ He warned that even a limited attack on Iran could escalate into a ‘very large crisis’ for the region.
The tension between the United States and Iran has heightened following anti-government protests across Iran in late December, with US President Donald Trump threatening military action. Iranian officials have cautioned that any US attack would provoke a ‘swift and comprehensive’ response.