WASHINGTON (JTA) — The Obama administration reportedly is changing its strategy on negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program.
The New York Times reported that the United States and its European allies will insist that Iran must gradually open up its nuclear program to full inspection, but would allow Tehran to continue enriching uranium for some period during the talks. That differs from the Bush administration approach, which demanded that Iran stop enrichment, at least for a short time, at the beginning of negotiations.
Unnamed officials involved in discussions said it isn’t clear how long Iran would be able to continue operating its facilities, but said the Europeans believe that Iran will not accept an immediate shutdown of its activities at the start of negotiations. The officials reiterated, though, that the ultimate goal is for Iran to cease enrichment.
