Under the proposal, Russia is offering to enrich Iran's uranium on Russian soil. The point is to allay international concern that Iran could enrich uranium to make atomic weapons.
Meanwhile, EU foreign policy head Javier Solana says discussions with Iran today in Brussels failed to make progress. He urged the Iranian delegation to be "much more constructive."
Iran's foreign minister says there is still time to reach a compromise with the West over his country's nuclear program. But Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki said whatever compromises are reached, Iran will continue with nuclear research.
"'R-and-D activities will be continued. We are ready for any compromise, and the next main step, which is major or industrial production of nuclear fuel."
Earlier this year, Iran announced it resumed research on nuclear enrichment, setting off an international crisis over whether its nuclear program is entirely peaceful in nature.
(AP, Reuters)
Security Guarantees For Iran?
SECURITY GUARANTEES On January 26, RFE/RL Radio Farda correspondent Fatemeh Aman spoke with former UN chief weapons inspector HANS BLIX about the confrontation between Iran and the international community over Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Blix urged the United States to participate in direct negotiations with Tehran and to offer Iran security guarantees that are similar to those being discussed with North Korea...(more)
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Listen to the complete interview (about five minutes):
THE COMPLETE STORY: RFE/RL's complete coverage of controversy surrounding Iran's nuclear program.