Russia has offered to export Iran's surplus enriched uranium.

According to RIA Novosti, at a press conference following the BRICS summit on July 7, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov proposed exporting surplus enriched uranium from Iran to effectively "deplete" its uranium reserves; and also to reactivate nuclear power plants. According to Lavrov, if necessary and Tehran expresses a desire, Russia is ready to act as a mediator between the US and Iran.

Lavrov noted that Russia is not only demonstrating mediation efforts to resolve the conflict over Iran's nuclear program.

"Russian President Vladimir Putin reminded us that when the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) was agreed upon, he took into account Russia's ability to provide services related to the complete removal of uranium, which already existed in Iran before the agreement was adopted. The amount of uranium would only be at the level necessary for energy purposes, for use in nuclear power plants," Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov clarified, adding that since the negotiations between the US and Iran until recently discussed, among other things, limiting uranium enrichment, Moscow reminded the negotiators "that we have such technological opportunities."

"And we are ready to present a plan to take the surplus of highly enriched uranium for processing for Russia and return energy-enriched uranium to the Islamic Republic to operate their nuclear power facilities. Of course, if the parties feel comfortable with Russia helping them to come closer together – now the US wants to resume dialogue with Iran, Oman and some other Arab countries of the Persian Gulf are also actively helping. If the main player – Tehran – desires it, we are always ready," the Russian Foreign Minister said.

Lavrov reiterated that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran's nuclear program, from which the US withdrew in 2018, was the result of joint efforts by "Eurotroika," the US, Russia, China, and Iran.

Meanwhile, Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's Permanent Representative to international organizations in Vienna, stated on social media platform X that Tehran's enrichment of uranium to 60% was Tehran's response to illegal sanctions and aggressive pressure.

"Do you think that enriching uranium to 60% is merely a countermeasure, a response to illegal sanctions and strong pressure? This seems to be a rather effective countermeasure that worries those trying to pressure Iran," Ambassador Ulyanov wrote.