Tehran's Nuclear Pivot: Iran Invites UAE and Saudi Arabia to Join Uranium Enrichment Consortium

A Regional Nuclear Alliance? Iran Seeks Gulf Partners in Uranium Enrichment

In a bold and unconventional diplomatic move, Iran has proposed forming a nuclear enrichment consortium with two of its regional rivals—Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—to collectively manage uranium enrichment. The idea aims to ease Western concerns over Iran’s nuclear intentions while binding Gulf states to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions in a mutually accountable framework.

This proposal, circulating in Iranian diplomatic circles, could become a game-changing initiative for the Middle East, signaling both transparency and a willingness to compromise on a historically contentious issue.

Diplomacy in Motion: Tehran Extends Olive Branch to Gulf Neighbors

Though not officially tabled during the latest Iran–US talks in Oman, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi flew directly to Dubai afterward, engaging in high-level discussions with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Iran is portraying the initiative as a strategic concession, offering technological collaboration and transparency in exchange for regional endorsement of its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.

Consortium Based on 2015 Nuclear Deal Limits

According to Tehran, the proposed consortium would strictly adhere to the 3.67% enrichment cap outlined in the original 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—the landmark nuclear agreement dismantled by former US President Donald Trump in 2018.

Unlike current enrichment levels—now reaching 60%, dangerously close to weapons-grade—this arrangement would roll back enrichment to civilian levels, satisfying key international demands while maintaining Iran’s sovereign right to nuclear technology.

Gulf States as Stakeholders: Building Trust through Shared Oversight

A crucial feature of the proposed enrichment consortium is shared ownership. Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia would become stakeholders and funders, potentially sending engineers and experts to Iranian facilities.

Such participation would increase visibility and oversight, adding a layer of regional accountability beyond traditional UN watchdog mechanisms.

The presence of Gulf engineers on Iranian soil would counter Israeli and Western accusations that Iran's nuclear ambitions are military in nature, reinforcing the program’s civilian energy framework.

Iran’s Strategy: Turning Regional Rivals into Nuclear Allies

By extending this offer to Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, Tehran is strategically trying to reshape Middle Eastern nuclear diplomacy. The proposal is not new—it was first floated by Iranian diplomat Seyed Hossein Mousavian and Princeton physicist Frank von Hippel in 2023—but Iran's timing now coincides with a delicate phase in U.S.–Iran negotiations.

The presence of Gulf powers in Iran's nuclear infrastructure may also bind those nations politically to a peaceful outcome, discouraging future military escalation or covert sabotage campaigns.

Washington Divided: Talks May Stretch Beyond Deadline

Although the U.S. initially insisted on a two-month timeline for progress, growing technical complexities have slowed the pace. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that 60% enrichment is excessive for civilian use, but he also noted Iran’s “seriousness” in seeking an agreement.

Trump’s administration remains split between hawks demanding total dismantlement of Iranian enrichment and pragmatists exploring diplomatic off-ramps to avoid another Middle East conflict.

The consortium proposal could provide that off-ramp—if Washington sees the Gulf states' involvement as a safeguard rather than a loophole.

Oman Signals Support: “Original Ideas” Praised

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi referred vaguely to “useful and original ideas” shared during the recent trilateral discussions, possibly hinting at Iran’s proposal.

Oman, often a neutral mediator in regional conflicts, could play a pivotal role in promoting the consortium idea as a trust-building mechanism for the broader region.

UAE’s Nuclear Experience Could Set Precedent

The UAE already runs the fully operational Barakah nuclear plant, the first of its kind in the Arab world. With four reactors now online, Barakah supplies roughly 25% of the UAE’s electricity. The UAE has committed to non-enrichment and non-reprocessing of nuclear fuel under international agreements—but Iran’s offer might spark a reconsideration if it aligns with peaceful objectives.

Should the UAE accept, its technical expertise and regulatory framework could guide the consortium into becoming a model for peaceful nuclear energy cooperation in the region.

Conclusion: Could This Be a Blueprint for Regional Nuclear Peace?

Iran’s uranium enrichment consortium proposal is more than a diplomatic overture—it’s a strategic recalibration aimed at securing regional legitimacy and circumventing U.S. isolation efforts.

If successful, the proposal could lay the groundwork for a Middle East nuclear cooperative model, balancing energy development with geopolitical trust-building. It may also mark a rare moment of alignment among historical rivals for the sake of regional security and technological progress.