Recent revelations have brought to light clandestine negotiations between the Iranian regime and military rulers in Niger, concerning a significant quantity of uranium. The discussions, shrouded in secrecy, revolve around a potential deal involving 300 tons of yellowcake uranium, a concentrated form of the element.
According to the French newspaper Le Monde, reports from various sources, including American and African outlets, have unveiled the covert talks, which have been confirmed by multiple Western and Nigerien officials. The negotiations come amid heightened scrutiny from international observers, given the pivotal role of uranium in nuclear proliferation concerns.
The uranium in question originates from mines operated by the French group Orano in Arlit, northern Niger. Despite Niger’s status as the seventh-largest producer of uranium globally, the country’s military junta has reportedly engaged in discussions with Tehran, raising concerns about potential breaches of international sanctions and proliferation risks.
While the French company Orano, which holds a significant stake in the uranium mines, denies direct involvement in the negotiations and asserts compliance with international sanctions prohibiting uranium sales to Iran, the revelations underscore the delicate geopolitical dynamics at play.
The value of the proposed deal is estimated at approximately $56 million. These revelations have triggered alarm in Washington and Paris, with both capitals closely monitoring the situation, especially amidst ongoing efforts to restore military cooperation with Niger.
For over three decades, the ruling clerics in #Tehran, who continue to harbor ambitions of inaugurating a regional Islamic Caliphate to this day, have been desperately trying to join the #nuclear club.https://t.co/EiJenArCtm
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) April 18, 2023
