Questions are growing about whether China and Russia could play a major role in securing Iran’s highly enriched uranium as part of future diplomatic talks with the United States. According to Joey Hood, a former acting director of Iranian affairs at the US State Department, Iran’s uranium stockpile is “the key to everything” when it comes to reaching a peace deal or nuclear agreement with Washington. Iran currently possesses around 441 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity. Experts say this level of enrichment is far above what is normally needed for civilian nuclear energy programmes. Hood explained that uranium enriched to 60 percent has very limited peaceful use and raises international concerns because it moves much closer to weapons-grade material. Although it is not yet fully weapons-grade, experts say it could potentially be enriched further if Iran chose to do so. Because of this, many countries believe Iran’s uranium stockpile would likely need to be removed, reduced, or placed under international supervision as part of any future agreement. Hood suggested that even Russia and China may agree that the material should be secured and safely stored to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation in the region. The comments come shortly after meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. Analysts believe the two leaders may have privately discussed the Iran issue during their talks. According to Hood, there may have been “quiet discussions” in Beijing about the possibility of China or Russia helping manage or store Iran’s enriched uranium. He suggested that both countries may already be communicating with Iranian officials behind the scenes. Neither Beijing nor Moscow has publicly confirmed such discussions. However, both countries have historically played important roles in international negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme. China and Russia have generally supported diplomatic solutions and opposed military escalation involving Iran. Both countries also maintain close economic and political relations with Tehran. The issue of Iran’s nuclear programme has become even more sensitive during the current regional tensions in the Middle East. Ongoing disputes involving the Strait of Hormuz, energy security, and fears of wider conflict have increased international pressure for diplomacy. The United States and its allies have repeatedly said they do not want Iran to develop nuclear weapons. Iran, meanwhile, continues to insist that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. Analysts say one possible compromise in future negotiations could involve transferring Iran’s highly enriched uranium to another country for storage or monitoring. Russia previously played a similar role during earlier international nuclear agreements with Iran. If China or Russia became involved in securing the uranium, it could help create trust between Iran and Western countries while reducing fears of military escalation. However, major disagreements still remain between all sides. The future of sanctions, inspections, regional security, and military activities are all expected to be difficult issues in any negotiations. For now, there is no official agreement, but the reports highlight how important Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile has become in global diplomacy. As tensions continue in the Middle East, international attention remains focused on whether diplomacy can prevent a wider crisis.