Iran Denies Supporting Putin’s Support for Ceasefire on Uranium Enrichment Debate

Kokcha News Agency reports that recent claims, circulated by Axios citing multiple sources, alleged that Vladimir Putin urged Iranian officials to accept a nuclear deal that would prohibit uranium enrichment entirely—a move aimed at facilitating future negotiations with the United States. The report indicated that Putin had communicated this position to both Donald Trump and Iranian leaders, encouraging Tehran to pursue an agreement that would support renewed dialogue with Washington.

However, Iran quickly dismissed these reports. Iranian Tasnim News, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, refuted Axios’s story within hours, citing a source close to Tehran. The news agency clarified that the report was false and that Iran has always maintained the right to uranium enrichment.

Axios, which based its claims on European and Israeli officials familiar with the negotiations, also noted that Russia has historically supported Iran’s right to enrich uranium but has adopted a firmer stance after the recent 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakçi reaffirmed Iran’s openness to discussions but stated clearly that “enrichment is non-negotiable.” Despite providing military support to Russia in Ukraine, Tehran’s satisfaction with Moscow’s limited backing during the Israel conflict has been mixed, leading to frustration.

U.S. officials and allies have been keeping a close watch on Russia’s stance, as Moscow’s support for Iran’s nuclear rights remains a key element of regional diplomacy. Iran’s foreign minister emphasized that “nuclear enrichment cannot be negotiated,” signaling that Tehran is determined to retain full sovereign rights over its nuclear program.