Iran asks assurance of nuke fuel supply before swap deal

Iran is ready to swap its low-enriched uranium for high-grade uranium on its territory to supply the Tehran research reactor, which produces radioisotopes for cancer patients, said Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI).

"Some countries have been seeking to impose a series of conditions on Iran, but our condition is receiving concrete assurances," he told reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting Sunday.

Several countries have made proposals for nuclear fuel swap and Iran is examining them, The AEOI chief said, adding that Iran will negotiate with these countries in the upcoming meetings to reach an agreement.
According to reports, Brazil and Turkey have drawn up a joint proposal for a nuclear fuel swap.

Iran says Brazil-Turkey fuel swap proposal is feasible.
Earlier, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad agreed in principle to the Brazil’s proposal.
"Our stance toward the nuclear fuel swap has not changed. We will give 3.5 percent enriched uranium and receive 20 percent enriched fuel (instead)," Salehi was quoted as saying by Mehr News Agency.

"Our purpose (of continuing negotiations with the West) is to give the Western countries an opportunity to save face and find a way out of the current situation," he added.