Iran extends freeze on nuclear material

TEHRAN, IRAN - Iran says it will extend its suspension of uranium enrichment until the end of next month to give European negotiators time to prepare a proposal acceptable to Tehran.

The announcement, reported by the official Islamic Republic News Agency, is the first indication by Iran that it will continue the temporary freeze on enriching uranium. It followed talks last month with European negotiators in which Iran agreed to review a European Union proposal for a new round of talks in the summer.

"After reviewing and discussing the Europeans' proposal, Iran has announced its agreement. Europeans have time up to the end of July to prepare details of their proposal," said Ali Aghamohammadi, a spokesperson for Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

The announcement provides a temporary respite in the dispute over Iran's nuclear program. Six months of talks with Europe have made no progress on the key point of contention — Iran's insistence on the right to enrich uranium and European opposition to such plans.

France, Britain and Germany, acting on behalf of the 25-nation EU, want Tehran to abandon its enrichment activities in exchange for economic aid, technical support and backing for Iran's efforts to join the World Trade Organization.

Tehran says it won't give up its right to enrichment but is prepared to offer guarantees that it is not seeking to build nuclear weapons. Iran maintains its program is aimed only at generating electricity.