"A solution can be reached" on Iran's insistence that the swap happen on Iranian soil, said Ambassador Mohsen Shaterzadeh.

The ambassador also said Iran remains "firm" that any exchange of its uranium stocks for more highly enriched uranium from other countries be immediate.

The remarks appeared to signal a softening of Tehran's position in a standoff with Western powers over its nuclear program.

Shaterzadeh said Tehran was "ready to move forward with this uranium swap operation, but the Western countries must show sincerity. If sincerity is seen, all this matter can be easily resolved."

The comments came as Iran stepped up contacts with Security Council members in an effort to split the body, ahead of an expected vote on a resolution to impose further sanctions on Iran.

Brazil, currently a member of the Security Council, has backed Iran in the confrontation.

However, Brazil this week denied an Iranian report that it had made a concrete proposal for an alternative plan to break the impasse.

Brazil has said it is ready to host a nuclear fuel swap if asked by Tehran, but stressed no progress had been made on that idea.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is to travel to Iran next week to meet with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.     

منبع: zawya