- On July 17, 2025, Moscow/Tehran/Washington held joint talks.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly encouraged Iran to accept a “zero enrichment” nuclear agreement with the US, according to Axios sources cited by Reuters and The Times, advocating for such an accord that prohibits Tehran from enriching any uranium at all. Reuters sources cite Axios sources who claim this proposal from Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely credible and would serve in Iran’s best interests, according to Carnegie Endowment sources cited by The Times and Reuters (with Carnegie Endowment sources and Times sources also available), who report these claims from Axios sources cited by Axios sources cited by these outlets (Reuters +15 and The Times +15), sources who claim this policy proposal from Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely.
Background and Context
Russia’s latest proposal represents an abrupt shift from Russia’s longstanding public support of Iran’s right to enrich uranium for peaceful uses, according to Axios reports. Putin communicated his position privately–including to U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian officials–before briefing Israeli leaders indicating an unexpected strategic pivot, signaled by Aharq Al-Awsat, Axios, and The New York Post (among others).
According to European and Israeli sources, Vladimir Putin appears driven by pragmatic calculations: defusing regional tensions that threaten Russian economic interests in Iran including major nuclear infrastructure projects as well as avoiding an escalation on the nuclear file and delaying sanctions escalation on Tehran. (Sources for this paragraph include The Times.). Iran Rejects Proposals by Putin for Nuclear Arms Limits
Iranian authorities quickly denied these reports. Tasnim News Agency quoted an “informed source” as refuting this possibility;
Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s non-negotiable position regarding enrichment rights during talks between Tehran and other major powers on Saturday, emphasizing: “No agreement without acknowledging our right to enrichment… Negotiations will solely focus on nuclear program not defense” (Reuters +6 | I24NEWS | Iran International).
At the core of this nuclear dispute lies Iran’s unwavering position that any deal must include restrictions on enrichment but not its complete abandonment, according to Axios and New York Post respectively.
Global Reactions
Russia has strongly denounced this coverage as being politically-driven and has stated its support for diplomatic resolution over “zero enrichment”, The Moscow Times reports.
United States-backed parties and governments have yet to comment officially on Russia’s alleged proposal; however, reports indicate U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff continues to engage with Tehran on a nuclear framework proposal while some analysts speculate that Putin may privately endorse our position (Axios).
Israel, long demanding full cessation of Iranian enrichment, welcomed Putin’s back channel support as diplomatic momentum–some Israeli officials affirming this via Axios, The Times and Reuters respectively. Strategic Calculations is important when planning foreign policies.
Analysts see Russia’s approach as an artful balancing act:
Russia’s Implications
Public Support for Iran’s Rights Maintains Strategic Alliance, Shield Nuclear Program Maintain strategic Alliance, Shield Nuclear Program
Maintain Strategic Allience, Shield Nuclear Program Axios
Yoran Yontrnshnl | Iran International Axios +13 The Moscow Times and Reuters.
Private Push for Zero Enrichment Aims to Stabilize Region, Protect Investments and Lower Sanction Risk
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin Spokesman has confirmed Russia’s offer to host Iran’s enriched uranium on its soil; signalling their willingness to mediate. (Source Reuters).
What Next
Our diplomatic mediators continue shuttle diplomacy between Iran and Europe. Tehran insists on enrichment rights; Moscow may act as an informal facilitator if trust increases between Tehran and Moscow.
4th Round of Negotiations: According to reports, Special Envoy Witkoff may soon present a proposal that includes staged enrichment with tight oversight in order to assess Iran’s openness.
Regional Risks: Recent Israeli-U.S. strikes and Iran’s internal shifts present regional risks that could reignite instability–and derail diplomatic talks altogether. Any misstep could bring new turmoil.
Bottom Line: Putin’s reported pursuit of a “zero enrichment” deal underscores Moscow’s realignment of priorities to balance alliance, regional stability and economic interests; yet Tehran’s firm refusal means any breakthrough remains distant.