An Iranian official says the authorities are ready to let the U.N. nuclear agency inspect a new heavy water reactor within weeks.

The spokesman of Iran’s nuclear department, Behrouz Kamalvandi, is quoted by the official IRNA news agency on Tuesday as saying inspections at the Arak facility could take place by Dec. 11.

But Kamalvandi also says Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency would first have to agree on the details of the inspections. IRNA did not elaborate further.

The offer is seen as a goodwill gesture ahead of the next round of talks between Iran and the IAEA on Dec. 11.

Iran on Monday promised more information and access to its nuclear sites.

The West suspects Iran’s nuclear program is geared toward atomic weapons, a charge Tehran denies.

AP)