[Washington Post] Glenn Kessler - The U.S. and Iran on Thursday reached an agreement with major powers that would greatly reduce Iran's stockpile of low-enriched uranium and reset the diplomatic clock for a solution to Iran's nuclear ambitions. The sudden show of cooperation by Tehran reduces for now the threat of additional sanctions. Under the tentative deal, Iran would give up most of its enriched uranium to Russia in order for it to be converted into material for a medical research reactor in Tehran. Iran also agreed to let international inspectors visit the newly disclosed uranium-enrichment facility in Qom within two weeks, and then to attend another meeting with negotiators from the major powers by the end of the month. Despite the drama of sudden movement on an issue that has been in stalemate for seven years, all sides agreed that they are months, even years away from a resolution. The ultimate U.S. goal is suspension of Iran's uranium-enrichment activities - and Tehran insists that it will never take that step.
2009-10-02 08:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive