Iran and the United States have different positions on the scope and mechanism for lifting sanctions against Tehran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program, a senior Iranian official told Reuters, BTA reported.
A new round of talks between the two countries is planned for early March, with talks continuing and there is a possibility of reaching an interim agreement, the official said.
Iran may seriously consider a combination of measures, including exporting some of its highly enriched uranium, reducing the level of enrichment, as well as creating a regional consortium for uranium enrichment. In return, Tehran is demanding recognition of its right to "safe nuclear enrichment".
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a few days ago that he expected a draft of an Iranian counter-proposal to Washington after nuclear talks with the United States in Geneva this week to be ready within a few days. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has indicated that he is considering limited military strikes against Iran if diplomatic efforts fail.
The senior Iranian official stressed that Tehran would not hand over control of its oil and rare earth resources, but added that US companies could participate as contractors in projects to develop Iranian oil and gas fields.