Putin Supports US Offer on Iran’s Nuclear Program; Tehran Says No Message Received

Putin Backs US-Led Nuclear Deal With ‘Zero-Enrichment’ Clause; Iran Denies Receiving Proposal

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly expressed support for a proposed U.S. nuclear deal that would prohibit Iran from enriching uranium on its own soil. However, Iranian officials have denied receiving any such message from Moscow.

According to a report by Axios, Putin communicated his support for the “zero-enrichment” framework to both U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian officials. The report, based on accounts from three European officials and one senior Israeli source, claims that Russia has been urging Iran to accept the condition as part of renewed talks on its nuclear programme.

“We know that this is what Putin told the Iranians,” a senior Israeli official told Axios. The Biden administration has made it clear that any future deal with Tehran must include a complete ban on domestic uranium enrichment. This demand is expected to be central to any new round of negotiations.

Iran Rejects Report, Denies Message from Putin
Shortly after the report surfaced, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency dismissed the claim. Citing an “informed source,” it said that President Putin had not conveyed any message about a zero-enrichment plan during his recent meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, nor through any follow-up communication.

The source stressed that no such condition had been discussed or delivered by Russia at any stage. While Moscow has generally supported diplomatic engagement over Iran’s nuclear programme, it also maintains strong political and economic ties with Tehran.

Tehran Open to Talks, But With Conditions
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Iran remains open to resuming nuclear negotiations with the U.S.—but only if firm guarantees are provided that no further military actions will be taken against the country.

Referring to the recent 12-day Israeli bombardment and a June 22 U.S. airstrike, Araghchi said such attacks had severely damaged Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and undermined trust. In response, Iran has suspended cooperation with the UN’s nuclear watchdog, and IAEA inspectors have been forced to leave the country.

Araghchi added that future cooperation with the IAEA would be reviewed “case by case,” in accordance with Iranian law and national interests. He also reaffirmed that Iran would continue enriching uranium domestically, calling it a national right and a key component of its peaceful nuclear programme—directly opposing U.S. demands.