Iran seeks changes in draft atom deal

Iran will seek two changes to a U.N.-drafted nuclear fuel deal, including the gradual shipment of its low-enriched uranium (LEU) abroad rather than sending it in one go, a pro-government newspaper reported on Thursday.

Javan newspaper also said Tehran wanted a "simultaneous exchange", under which it would receive fuel for a Tehran research reactor at the same time as it ships LEU out of the country. It did not give a source.

Both conditions are likely non-starters for Western countries, which suspect the Islamic Republic is seeking to develop nuclear bombs. Tehran rejects the charge, saying its programme is aimed at generating electricity.

The Javan report came on the day Iran was expected to present its formal response to the U.N. draft plan which is meant to help ease tension over Tehran's disputed nuclear programme. It was expected to be handed over to the U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna.

Other Iranian media have said Iran would accept the framework of the deal, but also demand changes to it.

The draft pact calls for Iran to transfer about 75 percent of its known 1.5 tonnes of LEU to Russia for further enrichment by the end of this year, then to France for conversion into fuel plates. These would be returned to Tehran to power the reactor, which produces radio-isotopes for cancer treatment.

Javan said Iran would seek two amendments.

"Iran will offer its stock of LEU gradually in several batches rather than sending out the full 75 percent in one go," Javan said.

It said Iran also sought a "simultaneous exchange, which means it receives high-enriched uranium fuel at the same time as it hands over its low-enriched uranium, within a formula to be calculated by the IAEA based on the need of the Tehran reactor".

Iranian officials declined to comment on the report.