Iran Hints at Scaling Back Nuclear Program

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-e Ravanchi hinted on Monday at the possibility of limiting nuclear activities in exchange for lifting US sanctions. He said his country “could agree, within a fair and mutually beneficial agreement, to specific time limits on peaceful nuclear activities” in return for the removal of sanctions. However, he did not specify the level to which Iran could reduce enrichment. Ravanchi stressed that Washington’s demand for a complete suspension of enrichment would doom any potential agreement. He also noted that communication channels through an intermediary could remain open, but gave no date for the resumption of negotiations. (Agencies)