Zero domestic enrichment, in return for offshore supply
Iran agrees to indefinitely relinquish its right to enrich uranium in return for a guaranteed supply from an offshore source.
As envisaged by the International Crisis Group, this option would involve the following elements.
1. Iran, the EU and Russia, with U.S. support, to agree on a proposal under which Iran would indefinitely suspend domestic enrichment activity, verified by a highly intrusive inspections regime, in exchange for an internationally guaranteed fuel supply, access to advanced nuclear technology, U.S.-backed security assurances, and a gradual lifting of sanctions by and resumption of normal diplomatic relations with the U.S.
2. The U.S., in the context of Iran’s agreement to this proposal and subject to its compliance, to
- commit not to threaten or use force against Iran;
- refrain from interfering with Iran’s importation of nuclear technologies and materials for civilian purposes, as permitted under the NPT;
- support, where needed, EU economic incentives, in particular by backing Iran’s WTO accession; and,
- recognising Iran’s regional role, engage in discussions with Tehran on Iraq’s reconstruction and political future.
3. The U.S., if Iran agrees to take parallel steps on issues of concern to Washington (including support for militant groups), would:
- unfreeze Iran’s assets in the U.S.;
- resume normal diplomatic relations.
This is a small change by Vassilios