Iran has begun curbing uranium enrichment, state TV says, under an agreement which will also trigger an easing of international sanctions.

It "is the major measure that we are undertaking" a senior Iranian official said.

The move is part of a deal reached with the US, Russia, China and European powers last November.

The process will continue with the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, confirming that Tehran has curbed enrichment.

The heavy water plant at Arak is one of several Iranian facilities under the international spotlight

This should pave the way for partial suspension of EU and US sanctions, allowing Iran to resume key exports.

By the end of the day, Iran should be able to restart petrochemical exports and trade in gold, worth billions of dollars.

The West accuses Teheran of seeking nuclear weapons, but it denies the claim, saying its programme is solely for peaceful purposes.

(Source: BBC)