U.S. Considers $20 Billion Cash-for-Uranium Deal with Iran
According to two U.S. officials and two other sources familiar with the negotiations, the U.S. and Iran are negotiating a three-page plan to end the war. One of the discussed points is the U.S. releasing $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds in exchange for Iran giving up its enriched uranium stockpile.
Reports citing a source familiar with the progress of mediation indicate that the second round of U.S.-Iran talks is expected to be held in Islamabad, possibly on Sunday.
The report cites sources as saying that in earlier stages of negotiations, the U.S. side was prepared to release $6 billion for Iran to purchase food, medicine, and other humanitarian supplies, while Iran requested $27 billion.
Sources say the latest figure discussed between the U.S. and Iran is $20 billion. One U.S. official stated that this was a proposal put forward by the U.S. side. Another U.S. official described the "cash-for-uranium" concept as "one of many discussion points."
The report also states that the U.S. has requested Iran to agree to ship all of its nuclear material to the U.S., but Iran has only agreed to "downblend" these materials within its borders.
According to a compromise currently under discussion, some highly enriched uranium will be shipped to a third country, not necessarily the U.S., and some will be downblended within Iran under international supervision.
The three-page memorandum of understanding also addresses the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, but sources say there are still significant disagreements between the two sides on this issue.