The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says it has been formally notified by Iran of a proposed deal to swap of some of Iran's enriched uranium for nuclear reactor fuel.
The swap deal was brokered by Brazil and Turkey. It calls for Iran to send more than half of its low-enriched uranium to Turkey in exchange for nuclear fuel rods.
But the proposal falls short of a compromise deal suggested last year in which Iran also would be obliged to stop its uranium-enrichment activities.
The IAEA said it would pass Iran's letter on to the United States, France, and Russia "for their consideration."
Washington has treated the deal with skepticism and gone ahead with introducing a draft sanctions resolution to the UN Security Council.
Ali Asghar Soltanieh, Iran's envoy to the IAEA, said today that Iran's decision to continue enriching uranium to higher levels "is not the issue."
He said Iran would abandon the swap deal if the UN Security Council approves fresh sanctions.
compiled from agency reports
The swap deal was brokered by Brazil and Turkey. It calls for Iran to send more than half of its low-enriched uranium to Turkey in exchange for nuclear fuel rods.
But the proposal falls short of a compromise deal suggested last year in which Iran also would be obliged to stop its uranium-enrichment activities.
The IAEA said it would pass Iran's letter on to the United States, France, and Russia "for their consideration."
Washington has treated the deal with skepticism and gone ahead with introducing a draft sanctions resolution to the UN Security Council.
Ali Asghar Soltanieh, Iran's envoy to the IAEA, said today that Iran's decision to continue enriching uranium to higher levels "is not the issue."
He said Iran would abandon the swap deal if the UN Security Council approves fresh sanctions.
compiled from agency reports
