Iran Offers Nuclear Deal

The agreement, which is tentative until accepted by Iranian leaders in Tehran, would allow both sides to step back, at least temporarily, from threats that could have resulted in a confrontation in front of the United Nations Security Council.

Now, however, the Europeans, who have the backing of the United States, must come up with a package that goes further than previously floated incentives, which the Iranians have rejected.

The proposal also will have to satisfy the Americans, who have been silent partners but key to the discussions. The U.S. has no relations with Iran, but has been in constant touch with the Europeans on the talks.

"Europe recognizes Iran's right under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty without discrimination and Iran reaffirmed its commitment to not seek nuclear weapons," British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said at the end of the three-hour meeting.

Iran is a signatory to the treaty, which allows members to pursue nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. Iran has said that its nuclear program is designed exclusively for civilian purposes, including to meet the country's energy needs. However, there are widespread suspicions that Iran is secretly pursuing the ability to manufacture nuclear weapons.

"Proposals were made by both sides," said Hassan Rowhani, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator and a cleric.

"Our European interlocutors said

The meeting was held at the residence of the Iranian ambassador to the U.N. in a leafy Geneva suburb.

In Washington, a senior U.S. State Department official said the outcome of the session was positive. "What they've agreed is exactly what we've been talking about," said the official, who asked to remain anonymous.

The Iranians recently threatened to restart some nuclear processing activities, which they had suspended in November.

The European nations had said that if the Iranians were to take that step, they would ask the International Atomic Energy Agency's board of governors to refer Iran to the Security Council for punitive action. Iran has consistently sought to avoid a confrontation before the council.