Iran and Niger have reportedly finalized a $56 million deal for Tehran to acquire 300 tons of refined uranium, following covert negotiations.
Africa Intelligence first reported the deal in late April, revealing that Niger’s military had engaged in “secret negotiations” with Iran for the uranium delivery in exchange for drones and surface-to-air missiles.
Yellowcake, a concentrated form of uranium oxide, is used as an intermediate step in producing nuclear fuel or weapons. The deal involves uranium from mines operated by the French company Orano in Arlit, Niger.
Niger’s government denies the negotiations and agreement.
However, sources claim the deal includes Tehran providing large-capacity generators to address Niger’s energy deficit and support agricultural initiatives launched by the new government following the July 26, 2023 coup.
A covert meeting between Iranian representatives and Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine reportedly occurred in August 2023 in Bamako, Mali, with General Salifou Modi of the Nigerien military also present.
Iranian representatives are said to have met with “pan-African” activists supporting the juntas of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
This deal could violate sanctions and agreements preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear program, raising concerns in Washington and Paris.
The reported uranium amount matches Iran’s 2019 domestic output, potentially accelerating its nuclear capabilities and escalating international tensions.
The deal might also strain relations between Niger and Western countries, which oppose uranium sales to Iran, potentially leading to economic sanctions and political isolation for Niger.
Niger’s appears to be leveraging its uranium reserves for political and economic concessions from international powers.
Shifting alliances and geopolitical tensions in the Sahel
In July 2023, Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by the military junta known as the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP). This marked the sixth military takeover in Africa’s Sahel region since 2020. The coups began in Mali in 2020, followed by Guinea, Chad, Sudan, and Burkina Faso. Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Mali support Niger’s CNSP, opposing efforts to reinstate Bazoum.
Since taking control, Niger’s military has expelled French, European, and American forces, seeking support from Russia.
In March, Niger demanded the withdrawal of US forces after a meeting with American officials. Senior US officials expressed concerns about Russian troops’ arrival and accused Niger’s military government of planning a uranium deal with Iran.
CNSP spokesperson Abdramane criticized the US for allegedly trying to undermine Niger’s sovereignty, emphasizing the country’s right to choose its partners.
The US had established a significant military presence in Niger, including two bases as part of a 2012 counterterrorism agreement. Air Base 201, costing over $100 million, has been used since 2018 to target Islamic State terrorists and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM).
Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visited Niger over a decade ago, aiming to purchase uranium before the 2015 JCPOA agreement. Germany-based Middle East researcher Hamid Talebian suggests access to Niger’s uranium could reward Iran’s military assistance to Russia.
In response to the Le Monde article about the rumored purchase of “yellowcake” by Iran from Niger, Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, said: “You must consider the source of the news. For the first time ever, we announced the news of the Islamic Republic’s modest nuclear program to the ears of people in all corners of the world in a completely professional manner.”
