JD Vance: Handing over enriched uranium from Iran to Russia not part of US plans in talks

US Vice President JD Vance has said that the transfer of Iran's enriched uranium to Russia as part of negotiations to end the war is not currently part of the United States' plans.

Source: Vance at a briefing at the White House on Tuesday 19 May, cited by CNN

Details: Vance said such a move was not currently under consideration by the US and has never been part of its plans.

"I've seen some reporting on that. I don't know where it comes from," he told journalists.

Vance surmised that an arrangement like this would likely be resisted by both Washington and Tehran.

"So, that is not currently the plan of the United States government. The Iranians have not raised it. My sense is that it's not something the Iranians would be particularly excited about, and I know the president isn't particularly excited about it either," he added.

Nonetheless, the US vice president said he would not make prior commitments in negotiations "on any particular topic".

Background:

• Russian ruler Vladimir Putin said on 9 May that Russia was ready to receive Iranian uranium. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later said that the Russian proposal could be discussed during future talks with the US.
• Media leaks regarding Iran's new proposals to Washington suggested that Tehran wanted to send 400 kg of enriched uranium to Russia.
• Meanwhile, the White House reportedly believes that Iran's latest proposal does not represent a significant breakthrough and remains insufficient for reaching a final agreement.
• US President Donald Trump announced on the evening of 18 May that he had postponed the planned strikes on Iran that had been due to take place on Tuesday 19 May.

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