Iran Insists On Right To Enrich Uranium

An Iranian enrichment facility in Isfahan (file photo) (AFP) 2 January 2006 -- Iran has said it will only consider a Russian compromise offer over its nuclear program if it acknowledges Tehran's right to enrich unranium in Iran.

Government spokesman Gholam-Hussein Elham told reporters in Tehran that "we are studying the Russian proposal based on this framework."

Moscow has suggested allowing Iran to conduct uranium enrichment in Russia as one way to break the deadlock in Iran-EU talks over Iran's nuclear program.

Moscow says that would give Tehran access to the nuclear fuel cycle while guaranteeing its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

Washington accuses Iran of using its nuclear program as a cover for trying to develop nuclear arms. Tehran denies the charges.

(AFP)