Detailed nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran are underway, with a 60-day deadline to settle complex issues like uranium enrichment and stockpiles. Expert Anton Khlopkov assesses the uncertain prospects for an agreement, the technicalities of uranium dilution, and the potential roles of Russia and the IAEA.

• The US and Iran have entered a new phase of nuclear negotiations, with a memorandum of understanding creating a fragile diplomatic opening but postponing key nuclear issues for 60 days.
• Expert Anton Khlopkov expresses uncertainty about a quick agreement, highlighting that the memorandum is framework-oriented and leaves detailed nuclear arrangements to be worked out.
• Key issues include Iran’s right to enrich uranium, the handling of its enriched uranium stockpile through dilution, and the potential for Iran to remain within the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
• Russia’s role, the IAEA’s supervision of uranium dilution, and the technical challenges involved are discussed, with Russia offering potential assistance based on its extensive experience.
• The article suggests that Iran’s motivation to acquire nuclear weapons might increase due to perceived security threats from the US and Israel, making reciprocal agreements crucial for de-escalation.