Iran has started to show some flexibility in its negotiation with the world powers over its nuclear program, proposing to reduce its fuel production slightly as the deadline nears.

Some diplomats involved in the negotiation said Iran proposed to stop the operation of some of its centrifuges, which is used in its operation to refine uranium, Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

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While the proposal is unlikely to be accepted by the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China, which are involved in its nuclear negotiations, it is seen as a positive move which could break the stalemate on the decade-long nuclear dispute.

The move came six days before the July 20 deadline, as the ministers from the world powers met in Vienna, Australia to come up with long-term solutions to the dispute brought by Iran's nuclear program.

The countries, especially the US, have called on Tehran to minimize its nuclear activities, which it said could be used as materials for nuclear warheads. But Iran said its nuclear program is aimed for peaceful means and would not be used for nuclear weapons.

Secretary of State John Kerry, who represents US to the deal, met with Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Monday.

He said he had "serious discussions" with Zarif and European Union foreign-policy chief Catherine Ashton, who leads the six-power group that negotiates with Tehran on its nuclear plans.

"We are working. We are working very hard. A lot of serious discussions. It was a good meeting," Kerry said.

The proposal came at a crucial time after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said his country needed to increase its uranium enrichment capacity, directly opposite to the goal of the negotiations.

Reuters reported that several diplomats close to the talks were surprised by Khamenei's statement, as its representatives remain in discussions on how to come up with a solution that would be amenable to the both sides.

Iran and the world powers resumed its talks on July 2 and met again in Vienna on Monday, with no clear indication of progress following a week-long intensive discussion.

TagsJohn Kerry, Iran, Nuclear program