BRUSSELS/VIENNA, Sept 19: Britain, Germany and France defied the United States last month by offering Iran the prospect of sharing technology if it stops its disputed nuclear fuel enrichment programme and accepts tougher UN inspections.

Western diplomats said a joint letter by the big three European foreign ministers, the content of which has not previously been disclosed, was delivered to Tehran in early August despite intense lobbying by Washington.It highlighted a wide gulf between the Bush administration and even its closest European ally, Britain, on whether to engage or isolate Iran.

The Europeans urged Iran to sign, implement and ratify a protocol to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) that provides for intrusive, short-notice inspections and to halt its uranium enrichment programme, which the West fears could be at the heart of a clandestine nuclear arms programme.

In return for compliance, the letter raised the prospect of some cooperation on technology, without specifically pledging help with a civilian nuclear energy programme, the sources said.

“Washington did not consider it very helpful at all. They were worried it ran the risk of splitting Europe and America on this issue...and attempted to dissuade them from sending the letter,” a diplomat familiar with the exchanges said.

British and French officials confirmed the letter had been sent with the knowledge of the United States, but said Tehran had been offered no direct “quid pro quo”.

However, a British official said that if Iran did comply fully with the NPT, “that would bring certain rights with it”.

European diplomats said they were disappointed there had not been a more specific reply from Tehran so far.

KHATAMI VAGUE: On Aug 18, Iranian President Mohammad Khatami sent a broadly worded letter to European leaders, including EU president Italy, pledging that Iran would never divert its civilian nuclear programme for military purposes and had decided to enter immediate talks on the so-called additional protocol.—Reuters