A senior Iranian official says Tehran and Washington differ on lifting sanctions for nuclear curbs, with new talks set for March and potential interim deal.

DUBAI: Iran and the United States hold differing views on how to lift sanctions in exchange for nuclear programme curbs, a senior Iranian official said.

The official told Reuters that new talks are planned for early March to bridge the gap.

“The negotiations continue and the possibility of reaching an interim agreement exists,” the official stated.

In return for sanctions relief, Tehran could consider exporting part of its highly enriched uranium stockpile.

It could also dilute the purity of its HEU and discuss a regional consortium for uranium enrichment.

However, the official stressed Iran’s right to “peaceful nuclear enrichment” must be formally recognised.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday a draft counterproposal was being prepared.

This follows nuclear talks with the United States held earlier this week.

U.S. President Donald Trump separately said he was considering limited military strikes.

The senior Iranian official also addressed Iran’s natural resources.

Tehran will not hand over control of its oil and mineral resources to foreign entities.

The official noted that U.S. companies could participate as contractors in Iran’s oil and gas fields.

 The Sun Malaysia