The announcement of the breakthrough came during a visit to Tehran by IAEA chief Yukiya Amano.

"The joint statement that was signed today details a roadmap for cooperation that determines mutual steps to resolve remaining issues," Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi said at a news conference with Amano.

Amano hailed the deal as "an important step".

The IAEA chief's visit was aimed at resolving technical issues linked to the body's role in monitoring Iran's nuclear activities.

Iran's nuclear chief Salehi said that as a gesture of goodwill, IAEA inspectors would be allowed to visit the heavy water plant in Arak as well as Gachin uranium mine in the south.

He said the Iran-IAEA joint statement has a six-point appendix. “Our cooperation with the IAEA falls within framework of the Safeguard Agreement, i.e. inspection of the nuclear facilities within framework of the Safeguards Agreement we have signed with the IAEA.ˈ

He added that Iran is ready to show necessary flexibility to promote mutual cooperation and avoid giving any pretexts to others to prevent the ongoing progress in this regard.

He said the permission we gave to IAEA inspectors is totally in line with the new approach the 11th government has already adopted.

NJF/NJF