Iran is effectively living under war conditions and is prepared for all scenarios, a senior advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said, while signalling that Tehran could reduce uranium enrichment from 60% to 20% if it receives concessions in return.
Ali Shamkhani, a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Iran’s nuclear programme remains entirely peaceful and rejected claims that uranium enriched to 60% is intended for military use.
Speaking to Lebanon-based Al-Mayadeen television, Shamkhani said Iran could lower its uranium enrichment level from 60% to 20%, a move long sought by Western powers, but stressed that such a step would require a “price”.
Enrichment at 60% can be reduced to 20%, but it must come at a price. We do not know exactly how much enriched uranium remains, because some of it is buried under rubble and has not been recovered due to the risks involved.
Ali Shamkhani, Senior Advisor of Iran’s Supreme Leader
He said Iran has no intention of transferring its enriched uranium abroad, adding that this option is now “completely off the table”.
“We Are Living in the Shadow of War”
Shamkhani described Iran’s current situation as one shaped by constant pressure and the threat of conflict, saying the country is already living under wartime conditions.
He said Iran’s enemies have imposed unjust conditions, unjust threats and an unjust war environment, while preparing for confrontation with all their strength. According to Shamkhani, Tehran is therefore ready for any possible scenario.
Europe Sidelined, US Seen as Sole Counterpart
Shamkhani said Europe has been effectively sidelined from the nuclear process since former US president Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018.
He said European countries were unable to play any meaningful role either after the withdrawal or during negotiations held ahead of last June’s conflict. According to Shamkhani, Trump did not allow European parties to intervene in the process.
As a result, Shamkhani said the nuclear issue can only be discussed directly with the United States and strictly within the framework of nuclear negotiations, adding that reaching an agreement with Washington remains possible.
Uncertainty Over Uranium Stockpiles
Shamkhani also said Iran does not know exactly how much enriched uranium it currently holds. He said part of the stockpile is buried under rubble and has not been recovered due to the risks involved.
No steps have been taken to extract those materials so far, he added, citing safety concerns.
