DHAKA: Iran will convert more of its higher-grade enriched uranium into reactor fuel under an interim nuclear deal with six world powers, making the material less suitable for building atomic bombs.

A diplomatic source said on Monday, reports The Straits Times.

Iran and the United States, France, Germany, Britain, China, and Russia failed to meet a November 24 deadline for resolving their dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program. They gave themselves until the end of June for further negotiations.

It was the second time this year they had missed a self-imposed target for a comprehensive agreement to scale back Iran’s nuclear program, in exchange for phasing out sanctions that are hurting its oil-dependent economy.

As a result, a preliminary agreement reached late last year, designed to buy time for the talks on a final settlement, will remain in force. Under its terms, Iran halted its most sensitive nuclear activity in return for limited sanctions easing.

BDST: 2045 HRS, DEC 01, 2014