Iran Offers Nuclear Dilution for Sanctions Relief Amid Reports of High Protest Fatalities

Iranian officials on Monday offered to dilute the country's stockpile of 60-percent-enriched uranium in exchange for the removal of US sanctions, a move that could signal a breakthrough in mediated negotiations. Atomic energy chief Mohammad Eslami stated that Tehran is open to reducing its enrichment levels—currently near weapons-grade—provided the United States ends economic restrictions. This proposal arrives as Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, prepares to travel to Oman on Tuesday for further talks. While President Donald Trump described recent discussions as productive, he has maintained a naval strike group in the region and warned of military consequences if a deal is not finalized.

Simultaneously, international observers and human rights organizations have released verified data documenting a significant death toll from recent domestic unrest. While Iranian authorities acknowledge approximately 3,000 deaths during the security crackdown on protesters, independent monitors have confirmed over 6,800 fatalities, including more than 150 children. Reports indicate that security forces used lethal force in multiple cities, including Bushehr and Karaj, and implemented internet blackouts to restrict the flow of information regarding the casualties.

The diplomatic maneuvering coincides with a scheduled meeting on Wednesday between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu is expected to pressure the US administration to expand the scope of negotiations to include Iran’s ballistic missile program and its regional alliances. Despite a stated "wall of mistrust" from Iranian leadership, both Washington and Tehran appear to be pivoting toward a strategic framework to resolve the nuclear standoff and avoid further kinetic conflict.