Iran will consider the idea of creating a nuclear consortium with U.S. participation
Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran's deputy foreign minister, said on Sunday that Iran would consider the idea of creating a nuclear consortium involving Middle Eastern countries and the United States.
The state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) quoted Takht-Ravanchi as saying: "We are not currently discussing the idea of a nuclear consortium, but suggestions have been made in this regard. If things go well and this issue is taken seriously, we can consider it and express our opinions."
The New York Times reported that the project was proposed by Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi as an alternative to the U.S. demand for Iran to abandon its nuclear program. It would allow Tehran to produce enriched uranium up to 3.67 percent and supply it to Arab countries for civilian purposes, while international observers would be present at nuclear facilities. On May 11, Iran and the United States held their fourth round of negotiations on the Iran nuclear deal and the lifting of sanctions against Iran.
The first round of talks between Iran and the United States took place in Oman on April 12. The second round of talks was held in Rome on April 19, mediated by Oman. The third round of talks between Iran and the United States was held in Masqat, Oman on April 26.
In 2015, Iran reached a comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue with the six countries involved in the Iran nuclear issue (the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany). According to the agreement, Iran promised to limit its nuclear program, and the international community would lift sanctions on Iran. In May 2018, the United States announced its withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and gradually resumed sanctions against Iran. Iran announced that it would reduce its compliance with the agreement in phases.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1832471741196288/
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