WASHINGTON (JTA) — Iran has declined an offer to enrich its low-grade uranium overseas.
The offer is the outcome of recent negotiations with the major powers, led by the United States. According to the offer, a quantity of uranium already enriched to a low grade by Iran would be enriched in Russia and France to a grade suitable for medical research and then returned to Iran. Russia, France and the United States have agreed to the plan
In its response Friday, Iran’s government would not endorse the proposal said it was awaiting a "positive response" to its proposal to enrich the uranium overseas — although the major powers’ offer is such a response. The proposal originated in Europe.
The talks are part of an effort to persuade Iran to avoid punitive sanctions by opening up its nuclear program to greater scrutiny.
