TEHRAN: Iran signalled an apparent readiness for more concessions over its nuclear programme, this time over its heavy-water reactor at Arak, local media reported on Friday.

The semi-official Mehr news agency quoted the country's nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi as saying that Tehran could modify the reactor's design so it would produce less plutonium to reduce concerns by the West.

“We are able to apply changes in the design of the reactor to produce less plutonium, to reduce concerns in this regard,” Salehi said.

He did not elaborate but the remarks came ahead of negotiations with world powers later in February about a long-term deal on Iran's disputed nuclear program.

Under a landmark November deal, Tehran stopped enrichment of uranium to 20 per cent – which is a possible pathway to nuclear arms – in exchange for the easing of some Western sanctions.

It also started neutralising its stockpile of enriched uranium on Jan 20, and agreed not to make further advances at the Arak reactor as well as Fordo and Natanz enrichment facilities.—AP