Iran Open to Regional Nuclear Enrichment Consortium on Home Soil

Iran has rejected the latest U.S. proposal demanding a complete halt to uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief but remains open to a nuclear agreement centered on a regional uranium enrichment consortium located within its borders. This consortium, proposed by White House envoy Steve Witkoff, aims to reconcile President Donald Trump's insistence on ending Iranian uranium enrichment with Tehran's demand to continue enrichment activities on its soil under strict international oversight. A senior Iranian official stated that the consortium must operate inside Iran to be considered viable, while any relocation outside the country would be unacceptable. Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, emphasize Iran's sovereign right to peaceful nuclear technology and reject nuclear weapons development. President Trump has maintained a firm stance that any future agreement would prohibit uranium enrichment entirely. The regional consortium concept involves cooperation among the U.S., Iran, and key Middle Eastern countries under IAEA supervision, representing a strategic attempt to revive stalled nuclear talks despite ongoing tensions and Iran's increased stockpile of highly enriched uranium.