US Media: As Trump Pushes for a Deal, China Proposes Taking Over Iran's Enriched Uranium
As the US aims to remove Iran's uranium stockpile, China has signaled a willingness to take over or dilute Iran's enriched uranium to facilitate a potential end-of-war agreement. This move could elevate Beijing's diplomatic profile in the Middle East.
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- 📰 Published: April 18, 2026 at 15:38
- 🔍 Collected: April 18, 2026 at 16:01 (23 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 18, 2026 at 21:22 (5h 20m after Collected)
Focus News on US-Iran War
Central News
(Central News Agency, Washington, 17th, Comprehensive Foreign Dispatch) A diplomat familiar with Beijing's thinking told the Associated Press that China has signaled its willingness to take over or dilute Iran's enriched uranium as part of a potential agreement to end the US-Iran war.
This move comes as the Trump administration pushes to remove Iran's uranium stockpile, and parties step up negotiations on how to implement an agreement without further escalating tensions.
Newsweek reported that if China assumes a formal role, it could reshape nuclear diplomacy regarding Iran, granting Beijing greater influence over the final outcome while providing a possible off-ramp for both Washington and Tehran.
A diplomat familiar with Beijing's mindset told the AP that China is open to taking over or diluting about 970 pounds of enriched uranium. US President Trump has stated that this batch of enriched uranium must be moved out of Iran as part of a potential deal to end the war.
Currently, it seems Trump favors the US taking ownership of the uranium. It is believed that this uranium is buried beneath nuclear facilities severely damaged by US airstrikes last summer.
But the diplomat noted that China, Iran's largest trading partner, has indicated that if both Washington and Tehran request it, Beijing is willing to take over these materials or dilute the enriched uranium to lower levels suitable for civilian use. Not authorized to discuss this sensitive topic publicly, the individual spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.
China's influence largely stems from its deep economic ties with Iran. Beijing is Tehran's biggest trading partner and the largest buyer of Iranian oil, a crucial lifeline given US and Western sanctions restricting other export routes.
Chinese and Iranian officials often describe their relationship as a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," solidified through a 25-year cooperation framework covering trade, energy, and infrastructure.
This influence gives China rare access and credibility when dealing with Iranian leaders, even as Beijing avoids making formal military commitments.
Chinese officials have consistently positioned Beijing's stance in the Middle East around maintaining regional stability and uninterrupted energy flows, while publicly emphasizing Iran's commitment not to seek nuclear weapons and its right to peaceful nuclear use under international law, thereby positioning China as a potential mediator rather than an enforcer.
If China takes over Iran's nuclear material or dilutes it for civilian use, this move would elevate Beijing's diplomatic profile while possibly relieving pressure on Washington. It would also allow China to demonstrate its importance in a crisis that has shaken global energy markets and disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
It remains unclear whether Beijing will ultimately step in to handle Iran's uranium issue or merely use this option as diplomatic leverage, but the signals sent by China indicate that the key to ending the war in the future may depend not only on Tehran and Washington but also on Beijing's attitude.
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Central News
(Central News Agency, Washington, 17th, Comprehensive Foreign Dispatch) A diplomat familiar with Beijing's thinking told the Associated Press that China has signaled its willingness to take over or dilute Iran's enriched uranium as part of a potential agreement to end the US-Iran war.
This move comes as the Trump administration pushes to remove Iran's uranium stockpile, and parties step up negotiations on how to implement an agreement without further escalating tensions.
Newsweek reported that if China assumes a formal role, it could reshape nuclear diplomacy regarding Iran, granting Beijing greater influence over the final outcome while providing a possible off-ramp for both Washington and Tehran.
A diplomat familiar with Beijing's mindset told the AP that China is open to taking over or diluting about 970 pounds of enriched uranium. US President Trump has stated that this batch of enriched uranium must be moved out of Iran as part of a potential deal to end the war.
Currently, it seems Trump favors the US taking ownership of the uranium. It is believed that this uranium is buried beneath nuclear facilities severely damaged by US airstrikes last summer.
But the diplomat noted that China, Iran's largest trading partner, has indicated that if both Washington and Tehran request it, Beijing is willing to take over these materials or dilute the enriched uranium to lower levels suitable for civilian use. Not authorized to discuss this sensitive topic publicly, the individual spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.
China's influence largely stems from its deep economic ties with Iran. Beijing is Tehran's biggest trading partner and the largest buyer of Iranian oil, a crucial lifeline given US and Western sanctions restricting other export routes.
Chinese and Iranian officials often describe their relationship as a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," solidified through a 25-year cooperation framework covering trade, energy, and infrastructure.
This influence gives China rare access and credibility when dealing with Iranian leaders, even as Beijing avoids making formal military commitments.
Chinese officials have consistently positioned Beijing's stance in the Middle East around maintaining regional stability and uninterrupted energy flows, while publicly emphasizing Iran's commitment not to seek nuclear weapons and its right to peaceful nuclear use under international law, thereby positioning China as a potential mediator rather than an enforcer.
If China takes over Iran's nuclear material or dilutes it for civilian use, this move would elevate Beijing's diplomatic profile while possibly relieving pressure on Washington. It would also allow China to demonstrate its importance in a crisis that has shaken global energy markets and disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
It remains unclear whether Beijing will ultimately step in to handle Iran's uranium issue or merely use this option as diplomatic leverage, but the signals sent by China indicate that the key to ending the war in the future may depend not only on Tehran and Washington but also on Beijing's attitude.
Stand with facts; every sponsorship from you is a power to protect press freedom.
Download the CNA APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
The text, images, and audio/video of this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.