FM Mottaki
Photo: AFP
Iran says nuclear fuel swap still on the table
Foreign Minister Mottaki says Islamic Republic will meet its fuel needs itself if no deal reached
A top Iranian official says a nuclear fuel swap with the West, initially proposed under a UN-drafted plan, is still on the table.
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has told reporters that Iran is showing flexibility how to effect an exchange of its low enriched uranium for higher enriched nuclear fuel if the West is ready for a deal.
Iran's conditions for an exchange do not meet those of the proposed UN plan, however.
Mottaki said Wednesday that Iran will meet its fuel needs itself if no deal is reached.
Uranium can be enriched to make nuclear fuel, or at higher levels, weapons.
Iran says it needs the fuel for a research reactor making radio isotopes for use in cancer treatment.
