Tehran considers concessions to the USA

Iran and the United States have different views on the scope and mechanism of lifting sanctions against Tehran in exchange for limiting its nuclear program. A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Sunday, adding that new talks are scheduled for early March.

The official noted that Tehran could seriously consider a combination of exporting part of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, thereby reducing its purity, and a regional consortium for uranium enrichment. In return, however, Iran's right to "peaceful nuclear enrichment" must be recognized.

"Negotiations are continuing and there is a possibility of reaching a preliminary agreement," he said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi said on Friday that he expected a counterproposal to be prepared within a few days after this week's nuclear program talks with the United States. However, US President Donald Trump responded that he was considering limited military strikes.

The senior official did not forget to mention that Tehran will not relinquish control over its oil and mineral resources, but American companies can always participate as suppliers in Iranian oil and gas fields.

(reuters, max)