U.S. seeks fast action on Iran's low-enriched uranium

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Wednesday Iran must take quick action to carry out a plan under which it would send most of its low-enriched uranium abroad for processing.

While saying that the major powers and Iran had made a "constructive beginning" in October 1 talks, Clinton said "that needs to be followed by constructive actions."

"In particular, prompt action is needed on implementing the plan to use Iran's own low enriched uranium to refuel the Tehran research reactor which is used to produce medical isotopes," she said in a speech hosted by the United States Institute of Peace think tank.

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has presented a draft deal to Iran and three big powers for approval by their capitals by Friday to allay fears Tehran might use the stockpile to make nuclear weapons.

But it was unclear whether Iran would accept a draft deal calling on it to send most of its low-enriched uranium reserve to Russia and France soon for conversion into fuel for the nuclear medicine facility in Tehran.

"If Iran is serious about taking practical steps to address the international community's deep concerns about its nuclear program, we will continue to engage, both multilaterally and bilaterally, to discuss the full range of issues that have divided Iran and the United States for too long," Clinton said. "The door is open to a better future for Iran, but the process of engagement cannot be open-ended. We are not prepared to talk just for the sake of talking."

(Editing by Doina Chiacu)