Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoðlu said today that Turkey and Brazil would continue to press for a deal with Iran to swap part of its nuclear material despite new UN sanctions against Tehran.

The plan brokered by Brazil and Turkey for Iran to send abroad 1,200 kg of its low-enriched uranium in return for reactor fuel, was met with little if none enthusiasm by western countries. Indeed western countries supported a fourth round of sanctions this month.

Turkey and Brazil voted against the resolution. Brazil's Foreign Minister Celso Amorim said yesterday he still hoped an earlier outline agreement could serve as the basis for further talks with Tehran.