Iran, UN Nuclear Chief Open Talks in Tehran

Iran's state TV says the U.N. nuclear chief is holding talks with Iranian officials on a proposal to expand the monitoring of the country's nuclear sites, which could boost wider negotiations over Tehran's atomic program.

Monday's visit by IAEA chief Yukiya Amano comes after efforts in Geneva over the weekend stalled on ways to ease Western concerns that Iran could one day produce nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful.

Senior Iranian officials previously said they sought a new "framework" for cooperation with the U.N. agency — the International Atomic Energy Agency — in Monday's meetings.

The IAEA has complained about restrictions in access at some sites. Clearing the obstacles could be a major step toward a deal between Iran and world powers when negotiations resume next week.