Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast has spurned a Western offer under which Iran would be “allowed” to participate in limited international commerce using gold if they closed the Fordo uranium enrichment facility.

The deal would largely leave international sanctions intact, and would allow Iran to go back to “grey market” international commerce based on gold in return for dismantling a large portion of its civilian nuclear program.

Mehmanparast said the offer was only a minor change from past P5+1 demands to unilaterally close Fordo, and that it rested on the assumption Iran didn’t have a right to a civilian nuclear program, something it does under its IAEA agreement.

He said any deals would need to have the international community recognizing some basic rights for Iran, as well as its sovereignty. Needless to say, this suggests that a deal is unlikely at the next summit.

Last 5 posts by Jason Ditz

• Judge: Bradley Manning Trial Will Include 'Classified' Portions - May 21st, 2013
• Afghan Officials: Body of US Torture Video Victim Found Near Base - May 21st, 2013
• State Dept Official Says Iranian Troops of Fighting in Syria - May 21st, 2013
• Austria: If EU Arms Syrian Rebels, We'll Withdraw From UN Mission - May 21st, 2013
• UN Mediator: Syrian Govt, Rebels Preparing for Peace Talks - May 21st, 2013