Iran seeks ’phased actions’ in nuclear talks

(AP) — Iran's foreign minister is urging step-by-step compromises between his country and world powers to advance negotiations over Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

Mohammad Javad Zarif's remarks on Iran's state TV referred to "phased actions" after reviving stalled talks with a six-nation group — the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and other envoys are scheduled to meet with Zarif on Thursday in New York to discuss restarting the talks.

Zarif did not elaborate in his comments late Wednesday, but it is seen a reference to gradual removal of sanctions by the West in return for a gradual decrease in Iran's nuclear activities, possibly uranium enrichment.

The West fear Iran could eventually produce a nuclear weapon — a charge Iran denies.