The New York Times reports the Obama administration is
considering tolerating Iran's nuclear activities at the same time it
would hold talks with Tehran.
The New York Times said Tuesday
Washington and its European allies are working on proposals that would
mark a major shift in strategy from that of former President George W.
Bush. The previous administration had demanded Tehran end all of its
enrichment activities before entering into formal talks.
The
newspaper says the U.S. and Europe would press Iran to gradually open
its nuclear program to wider inspections, but would allow Tehran to
continue enriching uranium for some period during the talks.
In
Washington, a State Department spokesman said the administration would
not discuss details until a review of U.S. Iran policy is complete.
Six
major world powers, including the U.S., said last week they would
invite Iran to join in discussions on its nuclear program. Iranian
media quoted the nation's top nuclear negotiator Monday as saying
Tehran is open to the talks.
Iran and the West are at odds
over Tehran's nuclear program, which some countries believe may have a
military component. Iran says all its atomic activities are for
peaceful, civilian use.
The president's aides say it is not
clear how long he will tolerate Iran's uranium enrichment program. But
the Times reports that European officials say there is general
agreement Iran will not accept the kind of demands made by the Bush
administration.
The newspaper reported the proposals, if
adopted, will likely attract fierce criticism from the U.S. president's
conservative critics and new Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu. A senior Israeli official says anonymously that Israel may
revive its efforts to take out Iran's underground nuclear plant at
Natanz if Mr. Obama does not "completely end" Iran's uranium production
efforts.
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