Washington: The United States on Monday rejected a proposal floated by Iranian officials in which Tehran would cooperate in the fight against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) militants in exchange for flexibility on its nuclear programme.
Senior Iranian officials told Reuters that Iran was ready to work with the United States and its allies to stop the militants but was looking for greater leeway with respect to its uranium enrichment programme in exchange.
Asked to respond, White House spokesperson Josh Earnest rejected the Iranian proposal. He said the effort by world powers to persuade Iran to give up its nuclear programme is “entirely separate” from President Barack Obama’s attempts to build a coalition against Isil.
“The United States will not be in the position of trading aspects of Iran’s nuclear programme to secure commitments” to take on Isil, he said.
