US Reportedly Considering New Iran Nuclear Deal

The New York Times reports that the United States and its European allies are working on a new offer to Iran for a possible nuclear fuel swap.  The deal would be aimed at easing concerns Tehran is trying to build nuclear weapons.The Times quotes a senior U.S. official as saying the conditions of the deal would be tougher than those rejected by Tehran last year.Last year’s fuel exchange proposal was rejected by Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Western diplomats in Vienna told the Reuters news agency Thursday that they believe the reported new offer will fail.  There was no immediate comment from Iran, which has repeatedly said its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.The State Department says U.S. officials are ready to join in a new round of nuclear confidence-building talks with Iran in mid-November, and that Tehran has given “indications” it will take part.Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department blacklisted dozens of Iranian “front companies” in Europe that are said to be supporting nuclear weapons efforts – Voanews