Iran Nuclear Watch: Russia – “Iran Still Considering Uranium Enrichment DEAL”

Reuters:Russia says Iran still considering nuclear deal

Iran is still considering a Russian compromise deal aimed at defusing fears Tehran wants an atomic bomb, despite previous comments to the contrary from Iranian officials, Interfax news agency reported on Monday.

Russia has suggested it make nuclear fuel for Iran to ensure uranium is enriched only to the low level needed for power stations. But talks foundered on Iran’s unwillingness to surrender its right to enrich on it own soil.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi said on Sunday that Tehran was no longer considering the plan. But statements on Monday from Russian and Iranian officials suggested Iran was backtracking.

“Iranian officials have informed Russian diplomats that the Russia proposal on setting up a joint venture remains in force,” Interfax quoted a Russian diplomatic source as saying.

“To put it bluntly, the Iranian Foreign Ministry has made a statement and the Supreme National Security Council has denied it,” the source said.

Iranian officials also tempered the earlier dismissal of the Russian offer.

“The Russian proposal should be reviewed with respect to the new developments,” said Hossein Entezami, spokesman for Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

“Tehran has repeatedly said that it welcomes any solution which could help to resolve Iran’s nuclear issue,” he told the official IRNA news agency.