According to various media reports, American and Iranian officials are edging towards a compromise over Tehran’s nuclear programme ahead of a key deadline in wider talks between Iran and the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany).

In November 2013, an interim Joint Plan of Action was concluded between the P5+1 and Iran, under which Iran agreed to pause aspects of its nuclear programme in return for a relaxation of some sanctions. The two sides have set a 30 June deadline to agree a long-term accord on Tehran’s nuclear development. Little progress was reportedly made towards this end during talks last month and a 24 March deadline is looming to agree on the main points of such an agreement.

In the meantime, American and Iranian officials have been meeting to advance the process. AP reports that diplomatic sources say a proposed arrangement is in the offing, which would permit Iran to keep most of its estimated 10,000 centrifuges, which are used to enrich uranium. However, they would be reconfigured to produce less uranium, only a specific amount of uranium gas, crucial to enrichment, would be permitted and much of the enriched uranium produced would be shipped abroad.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Army Radio says that European diplomats believe a different scenario is in the works. The report suggests that US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Zarif have agreed that Tehran can continue to operate 6,500 centrifuges in return for Iran undertaking a commitment to help ensure quiet in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.

In Iran, the Mehr news agency quotes Iran’s President Rouhani, who said that “we have narrowed the gaps” and although “some issues and differences remain … The West has realised that it should recognise the rights of the Iranian people.”

Israeli leaders, in particular Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have consistently cautioned against a deal which would leave Iran as a nuclear threshold power. On a visit to the United States last month, IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz told American leaders “now is not the time for concessions” towards Iran.news summary and analysis emails.