Lavrov: Iran ready to stop 20% enrichment
Russian FM says that for 'first time in many years' there are encouraging sings in efforts to resolve Iranian nuclear dispute
Russia's foreign minister says Iran is willing to halt its 20% enrichment of uranium, which has been a key concession sought in international negotiations over Iran's nuclear program.
That is the highest level of enrichment acknowledged by Iran and one that experts say could be turned into warhead grade in a matter of months.
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In an interview with the Kuwaiti news agency KUNA that was released by the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, Sergey Lavrov said that "for the first time in many years" there are encouraging signs in international efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear dispute.
He said Iran has confirmed that it is ready to halt production of uranium enriched to 20%. He did not give details, but said the sextet of international negotiators should make "substantial reciprocal steps."
Iran's newly elected president pledged Monday to follow a "path of moderation" and promised greater openness over the country's nuclear program, emphasizing messages from Western leaders since his victory that have brought cautious hope of new openings with Tehran.
Hassan Rohani used his first news conference since Friday's election to sketch out views that are likely to be further welcomed in the West as possible opportunities to ease tensions, led by those stemming from Tehran's disputed nuclear program.
But he said he would not support halting Iran's uranium enrichment, which is a key stumbling block on talks between Iran and world powers.
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