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Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi said a regional nuclear consortium with Arab countries in the Persian Gulf could be considered if negotiations with the United States continue positively.

Speaking to the “EcoIran” media organization during the Tehran Dialogue Forum, Ravanchi addressed recent media reports about a proposal for a joint regional nuclear consortium that would include Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“We did not introduce the idea of a nuclear consortium, but these ideas were brought up. If work progresses and this issue is discussed seriously, it can be worked on,” Ravanchi said. He noted that the proposal did not originate from Iran but did not explain how it emerged.

Uncertain origins of consortium proposal

The concept of a nuclear consortium was first reported by Iranian media. During nuclear talks with the United States, Iranian negotiators reportedly proposed establishing a joint regional nuclear consortium with Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. According to reports, the plan envisioned uranium enrichment activities under the joint supervision of these countries.

However, the head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, previously opposed the consortium proposal, saying, “We experienced a consortium with France 50 years ago. Iran made payments, contributed to the establishment of France’s nuclear industry, but couldn’t get fuel and lost its investment and nuclear materials.”

Ongoing nuclear negotiations with the US

Nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States are ongoing. Tehran seeks the lifting of sanctions in exchange for limiting its nuclear program to prevent the production of atomic bombs. While U.S. officials had previously indicated they would accept low-level uranium enrichment by Tehran, they have recently demanded that Iran halt uranium enrichment at all levels.

May 18, 2025 06:00 PM GMT+03:00