Incentives, N-reactors in offer to Iran: Report

NEW YORK: The international nuclear proposal to be presented on Tuesday to Iran, include trade incentives and a commitment to support Iran's nuclear energy program, The New York Times said.

European diplomats and a senior US official said the initiatives include allowing Iran to purchase aircraft parts from Boeing and Airbus, backing Iran's bid to join the World Trade Organization and helping it build light-water reactors through joint project with other countries.

However, the centerpiece of the plan which European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana is expected to present to Teheran is a US offer to enter in direct talks with Iran and join in the negotiations over its nuclear program.

The sources did not say whether the plan included a guarantee that the United States will not attack Iran if it agrees to suspend its uranium enrichment activity, which Washington suspects is intended for making nuclear weapons. 

The guarantee was contained in an earlier version of the proposal that was reviewed and agreed on last week in Vienna.

Western officials have said Iran will be expected to give its response within a matter of weeks. If Tehran refuses to return to an enrichment freeze, it faces the threat of tough UN Security Council action, including possible sanctions.

Iran has refused to stop what it maintains is a peaceful nuclear programme, but has promised that it will at least consider the proposal.