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Searching for a Diplomatic Formula with Iran, U.S. Weighs an Expanded Offer
(AP-Washington Post) Bradley Klapper - The Obama administration is considering a new approach in negotiations to curb Iran's nuclear program that would ease economic sanctions faster than previously offered if Tehran makes greater concessions than it has ever discussed, officials said Friday. Sanctions would be eased if Iran halts its enrichment of uranium that is getting closer to weapons-grade, sends abroad its existing stockpile of such uranium and suspends operations at its underground Fordo facility. A U.S. official said the administration would be open to direct talks with Tehran as part of the broader negotiations involving the larger group of world powers, if those would advance hopes of a negotiated agreement. But a one-on-one encounter sometime in the next three months is considered highly unlikely by the administration because it sees no willingness by the Iranians. Meanwhile, in Congress, lawmakers are working on a set of new sanctions that could prevent Iran from doing business with most of the world until it agrees to international constraints on its nuclear program.