Iranian politicians reject UN-drafted uranium plan

Iran's senior politicians have rejected a UN-backed plan to ship much of the country's uranium abroad for further enrichment.

The move raises further doubts about the likelihood Tehran will approve the deal.

Alaeddin Boroujerdi, who heads the parliament's National Security Committee, told the semi-official ISNA news agency today that the legislature is totally against shipping low-enriched uranium abroad in return for nuclear fuel.

Kazem Jalali, another senior politician, said there is no guarantee on receiving the fuel even if Iran sends its uranium.

The UN plan would require Iran to send 70 per cent of its low-enriched uranium to Russia in one batch by the end of the year. Iran has indicated that it may agree to send only "part" of its stockpile.