World powers are avoiding harsh criticism of Tehran at a meeting of the U.N. atomic agency, reflecting efforts to have the Islamic Republic accept their latest offer in nuclear talks.

Meetings of the International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-nation board often hear toughly worded Western demands that Iran stop uranium enrichment and cooperate with an IAEA probe of alleged secret nuclear weapons work by Tehran.

But with Iran showing interest in an offer made by six nations last week, their joint statement Tuesday was moderate, taking note of "useful meetings."

The six propose lifting some sanctions on Iran if it ships out its stockpile of material that can be turned quickly into the fissile core of a nuclear weapon and shutters the plant producing it. Iran denies it wants nuclear arms.