Editor's note: The new gesture from the United States on Iran nuclear issue may show a gleam of hope when it is in every country's interest to solve the problem by peaceful means.?

Positive remarks from the United States on its willingness to discuss a nuclear fuel swap with Iran may offer a ray of hope for those who support peaceful solutions to the Iran nuclear issue.

The deal, proposed by the International Atomic Energy Agency last October, was intended to help avoid confrontation over Iran's nuclear issue. It requires Iran to send most of its low-enriched uranium abroad for further processing and conversion into fuel rods.

Given that the US is working hard to rally international support for a fourth round of sanctions against Iran, this new development is a timely reminder to the international community - that there is still room for diplomacy to take an upper hand in breaking the international impasse over Iran's nuclear program.

As long as the concerned parties exercise restraint and show sincerity, a favorable momentum can still be built to break the deadlock through peaceful means. Many members of the international community will like to see the situation developing in this positive direction.

Despite mounting pressure from the US side, a considerable number of countries still believe dialogue and negotiations can do better to solve the Iranian nuclear issue. A full-blown confrontation will not be in any party's interest.

(China Daily 04/21/2010 page8)