Kremlin Says U.S. Rejected Russian Proposal to Host Iranian Uranium

JAKARTA - Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday said the United States rejected Russia's proposal to host Iran's enriched uranium as a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict.

Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin had put forward the proposal some time ago, describing it as "an excellent solution" that was ultimately rejected by the Americans, as reported by Anadolu from India Today (16/4).

He added that President Putin remains willing to reconsider the idea if the countries involved ask him.

The seizure of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile is one of Washington's key demands in negotiations to permanently end the war that began on February 28.

Most of the material, estimated at around 450 kilograms and enriched to 60 percent, is buried beneath the nuclear site that was attacked during the US-Israeli attack.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran would hand over the stock voluntarily or the US would take it by other means.

On the occasion, Peskov also rejected the justification for the war, saying the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had never found evidence that Iran was building nuclear weapons, and the accusations had been used "as an excuse for aggression."

When asked whether Russia was providing military intelligence or logistical support to Iran, Peskov denied involvement.

"Russia is not involved in this. This is not our war," he said.

Previously, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Moscow provided military assistance to Tehran "in various directions," without mentioning whether it included intelligence on US forces.

US envoy Steve Witkoff earlier said President Vladimir Putin personally assured his US counterpart Donald Trump that Russia did not share intelligence with Iran.