**Russia’s Surprising Shift: Putin Supports Zero Enrichment in New Iran Nuclear Deal**
In a surprising move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has privately signaled his support for a nuclear deal that would prevent Iran from enriching uranium. According to sources familiar with discussions, this position was conveyed to both US President Donald Trump and Iranian officials.
This shift marks a significant change in Moscow’s stance on the issue, as Russia had previously publicly advocated for Iran’s right to enrich uranium. The new position comes after the recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran, with Moscow encouraging Iran to agree to “zero enrichment.”
Sources indicate that Putin briefed the Israeli government on his position regarding Iran’s uranium enrichment, with a senior Israeli official confirming that this was what Putin told the Iranians.
**A New Era in Nuclear Negotiations?**
President Trump has publicly expressed his desire for a new nuclear deal with Iran. Sources suggest that if negotiations commence in the coming weeks, a demand for zero uranium enrichment on Iranian soil will be a key US requirement. However, Iran has long maintained that it must retain the ability to enrich uranium under any agreement.
Putin’s support for “zero enrichment” is particularly intriguing given Iran’s extensive support for Russia during its ongoing war with Ukraine. Despite this, Russia has publicly and privately indicated their willingness to remove Iran’s highly enriched uranium if a deal is reached.
**Diplomatic Discussions Continue**
White House envoy Steve Witkoff has been in discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi about resuming nuclear negotiations. While an initial meeting in Oslo was considered for the coming days, sources suggest both Iranian officials and Witkoff have cooled on the idea and are now seeking an alternative venue.
This development marks a crucial moment in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iran nuclear issue. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be essential to monitor how these developments impact the broader Middle East landscape.
**The Implications of Putin’s Shift**
Putin’s support for “zero enrichment” raises several questions about Russia’s motivations and what this might mean for future negotiations. Given Russia’s extensive military involvement in Ukraine, one wonders if Moscow is using its influence with Iran to further its own interests in the region.
As tensions between Israel and Iran continue to simmer, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the broader geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East.
