Iran has reportedly offered to cap its uranium enrichment levels just below weapons-grade in an effort to stave off a Western-backed resolution at the UN nuclear watchdog's board meeting, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and diplomats on Tuesday.
In one of two confidential IAEA reports shared with member states, Iran proposed halting the expansion of its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity—close to the 90% required for weapons-grade material—and confirmed it had made preparations to implement this measure.
However, the proposal is contingent on Western nations ceasing their push for a resolution condemning Iran at this week's IAEA Board of Governors meeting. The resolution targets Tehran's ongoing lack of cooperation with the agency. Despite the offer, diplomats indicated that Western powers remain committed to advancing the resolution.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned that efforts by France, Germany, and Britain to advance a resolution against Tehran at the UN nuclear watchdog could "complicate matters" and undermine the "positive atmosphere" established between Iran and the IAEA, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
During IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi's visit to Tehran last week, discussions included the possibility of Iran refraining from further expanding its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity, according to one of the agency's latest quarterly reports.
* The Jerusalem Post contributed to this article.