On June 11, 2025, Russia expressed its willingness to assist in removing excess nuclear material from Iran to facilitate negotiations between the United States and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that Moscow is prepared to export Iran’s excess nuclear material and convert it into fuel for civilian reactors, aiming to bridge differences in the stalled nuclear talks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Russia’s readiness to provide such services if deemed necessary by both parties. This offer follows a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, where Putin indicated Russia could leverage its close partnership with Iran to advance negotiations. The U.S. seeks to have all of Iran’s highly enriched uranium (HEU) shipped out, while Iran insists on retaining amounts above the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) limits, arguing for its right to a civilian nuclear program under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Russia, a key partner of Iran, opposes Iran acquiring nuclear weapons but supports its civilian nuclear ambitions and considers military action against Iran illegal. This proposal comes amid heightened tensions, with U.S. troop withdrawals from the Middle East and concerns over potential Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.