Compromise Iran nuclear plan gains backers

BOSTON, June 10 (UPI) -- A plan to build an internationally run nuclear enrichment plant in Iran has gained traction among non-proliferation advocates, U.S. and other backers say.

The Boston Globe says an array of diplomats, scientists and politicians are warming to the controversial idea, originally advanced by Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientists and rejected by the Bush administration, which says Iran is using its nuclear energy program as a cover for building weapons.

The idea's backers say the compromise would allow to Iran to enrich uranium on its own soil, which it is adamant about doing for what it says are peaceful purposes, while simultaneously preventing the material from being diverted for use in weapons. As Iran appears poised to develop the technology in spite of harsh sanctions, the idea is gaining converts, the Globe says.

Mohammed Khazee, Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, told the newspaper last month the details of it should be negotiated. Other voicing support include former American U.N. Ambassador Thomas Pickering, was co-authored an article on the proposal with Jim Walsh of MIT; John Thomson, a former British U.N. ambassador; and Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., who have said that the plan should be explored.