Iran rejects nuclear proposal

Iranian leaders rejected a proposal to ship most of their uranium abroad for enrichment on Friday.

Iranian state television reported Tehran rejected the proposal in favor of buying nuclear fuel for a reactor. The proposal was backed by the US, Russia and France. Under the plan, Iran's uranium would be shipped to Russia and enriched for fuel. Tehran's rejection could trigger the US to push for harsher international sanctions against Iran. French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said he was disappointed with Iran's decision.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said, "This will negatively affect political discussions of the 5 plus 1 meeting in Geneva. France wants to ease tension and is trying to find peaceful and acceptable solutions which lead Iran not to use atomic development in military targets."