Hopes for deal as Iran nuclear talks begin Iran will on Monday begin what is expected to be the most critical round of negotiations it has held with world powers over the future of its nuclear programme, amid hopes that a confidence-building deal can finally be brokered over Tehran's atomic ambitions. In their most important meeting yet to try to avert the Iranian crisis from descending into war, Iran and six world powers - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the US - will convene in Moscow for talks aimed at getting a confidence-building agreement over Tehran's programme. Iran indicated to EU diplomats last week that it would be prepared to discuss key demands being made by the six powers in Moscow, most notably the cessation of production of 20 per cent enriched uranium, a concentration close to weapons grade; the export by Iran of part of its 145kg stockpile of the material; and the cessation of activity at its heavily protected Fordow enrichment facility. The Financial Time has also learned that Iran's foreign ministry recently summoned European, Russian and Chinese ambassadors in Tehran to explain its stance ahead of Moscow. At meetings with the diplomats, Iran clarified that it would make no compromise on its right to enrich uranium at less than 5 per cent concentration, the level needed for civil nuclear power. But according to diplomatic sources Iran said it was now prepared for concessions on 20 per cent enrichment. In return for such a move, western diplomats have said the six powers could offer a range of concessions, such as the suspension of the EU ban on the insurance of tankers carrying Iranian oil and a range of more minor steps such as the provision of spare parts for Iran's civil aircraft. Some western diplomats remain unsure whether Iran will agree a deal this week. Because of the US election, the Obama administration is not in a position to make the much bigger concessions that Iran seeks, such as significant reduction of existing energy and banking sanctions and an acceptance of Iran's right to enrichment. However, Cliff Kupchan of Eurasia Group, a think-tank, sees compelling reasons why a deal could begin to be fleshed out in Moscow. "Tehran's economy has come under severe strain, in large part because of sanctions," says Mr Kupchan. If the insurance ban remains in place, Iran will likely be unable to export perhaps 1.5m barrels per day of crude, meaning a revenue loss of roughly $4.5bn per month, at $100 per barrel. Other factors also indicate that Moscow may be the scene for a deal. Russia will be hosting the meeting and will want to boost its reputation as a broker of international crises at a time when it is under severe criticism for its stance on Syria. Iran also knows that an interim deal now would remove the threat of an attack by Israel, which would otherwise be a possibility in 2012. The foreign envoys in Iran who were briefed on Tehran's negotiating stance met Abbas Araghchi, Iran's deputy foreign minister for Asia, Oceana and central Asia, a veteran diplomat and member of Tehran's nuclear negotiating team. "Mr Araghchi told us that Iran wanted formal recognition of its political right . . . to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes and lifting of sanctions," said one senior western diplomat who was at the meeting. In return, said the diplomat, Mr Araghchi said Iran would be willing to do anything on 20 per cent enrichment, including stopping its production or agreeing to export the extra higher-grade uranium that Iran no longer needed.