WSJ: Iran rejects US demand to dismantle nuclear facilities

Iran has rejected a key U.S. demand to dismantle its nuclear facilities as part of negotiations aimed at reaching a peaceful resolution to the long-running dispute over Tehran’s nuclear programme, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing informed sources.

The sources say Tehran is willing to suspend uranium enrichment activities, but not for the 20-year period reportedly sought by Washington.

According to the sources, Iran has also proposed reprocessing part of its stockpile of enriched uranium to lower its enrichment level. The remaining material, the report says, could be transferred to a third country under an arrangement that would guarantee its return to Iran if negotiations collapse or if the United States withdraws from the agreement in the future.

By Sabina Mammadli