TEHRAN (AFP) - Iran has agreed to suspend "nearly all" of its uranium enrichment-related activities as part of a deal with Britain, France and Germany, in a step that eases the threat of possible UN sanctions over its controversial nuclear programme, a top official announced.
"We have agreed to suspend nearly all activities related to enrichment," top national security official and nuclear negotiator Hassan Rowhani said after late night talks with the ambassadors of the three European states.
"What we have accepted virtually corresponds with what was demanded of us in the resolution" adopted in September by the UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rowhani said.
A close aide to Rowhani, Hossein Moussavian, said the suspension would remain in force while Iran and the European Union negotiated a long-term cooperation accord. He said these negotiations would start on December 15.
"The suspension is valid for the duration of the negotiations," he told reporters. "This is the beginning of the normalisation of Iran's dossier at the IAEA."
He said Iran had bowed to demands that it suspend not only enrichment itself, but also activities related to it -- such as converting raw uranium into the feed gas for enrichment and making centrifuges used to enrich.
The EU's "Big Three" have been negotiating with Iran since October in a bid to convince the Islamic republic's clerical regime to stay in line with IAEA demands and halt its sensitive fuel cycle work.
While Iran insists it only wants to make fuel for a nuclear reactor to generate electricity, there are fears that once the fuel cycle has been mastered the Islamic republic could choose to enrich its uranium to weapons-grade levels.
The UN watchdog has been waiting for Iran's response to be able to incorporate it in a report to members.
The November 25 session of the agency's 35-nation board of governors is to decide on US-led calls for Iran to be referred to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions over its nuclear programme, which Washington charges is a cover for a covert weapons drive.
Britain, France and Germany had warned they would back the US hard line if Iran fails to tell the IAEA that it agrees to a full suspension.
The carrots the EU are said to be offering Iran are civilian nuclear technology, including access to nuclear fuel and a light-water research reactor, increased trade and help with Tehran's regional security concerns.
11/14/2004 - 19:16 GMT - AFP