IRAN made a dramatic reversal on its position on its nuclear policy yesterday with an announcement it would agree to immediate talks about the status of its program.

As a US-imposed deadline approached, Iran surprised many with a change from its previous position that its nuclear program was its own concern and not an issue for the rest of the world.

It remained unclear exactly what the announcement would mean, and it was greeted with scepticism in several countries that do not believe Tehran will give full access to its nuclear facilities to international inspectors.

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, was quoted telling Iranian state television: "Iran has prepared an updated nuclear proposal and is ready to resume negotiations with world powers."