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Iranian officials accept draft deal on uranium transfer
Iranian negotiators on Wednesday accepted a draft agreement that would transfer the bulk of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile out of the country, providing a major boost for the Obama administration as it seeks to engage the Islamic republic.
The deal, which must be affirmed by the government in Tehran, would require Iran to rid itself of nearly 80 percent of its reported stash, effectively delaying any attempt by its scientists to develop a nuclear weapon. It would also allow the Obama administration more time to pursue talks with Iran.
U.S. officials and other diplomats stressed that the deal would be only the first step in a difficult process to persuade Iran to suspend its uranium-enrichment activities and that suspension remains the primary goal. Nonetheless, they said Iran's willingness to accept the draft agreement would be viewed as an early test of its intentions.