There's been a cautious international response to the announcement by Iran that it will send some of its low enriched uranium abroad in return for higher-grade nuclear fuel for a research reactor. Tehran hopes the deal will avert new sanctions against Iran. Barbara Plett reports from the United Nations.
The White House said the fuel transfer would be a positive step, but it didn't address the main concern about Iran's nuclear program which is that Tehran continues to enrich uranium despite UN demands that it stop and a higher level than it used to. Washington said it would continue efforts through the Security Council to show Iran that such behavior has consequences, including sanctions. However, it did acknowledge the efforts of Turkey and Brazil in brokering the compromised deal. The White House also said it would proceed enclose consultation with all its partners. Aware, perhaps that the coalition it built to isolate Iran could fragment over this issue.