The Bush administration is close to a decision to join Europe in offering incentives to Iran -- possibly including eventual membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO) -- in exchange for Tehran's formal agreement to surrender any plans to develop a nuclear weapon, the Washington Post said in a report on Monday.

After returning from his visit to Europe, US President George W.Bush met Friday afternoon with the principal members of his foreign policy team to discuss requests made by German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and French President Jacques Chirac in particular, the report said, citing senior US officials.

More discussions are expected this week but the White House wants to move quickly to finalize a list of incentives to offer Tehran as part of European talks with Iran, the report said.

The new willingness to engage, even if indirectly, marks a significant change from the previous US position that Iran deserves no rewards for actions that it is legally bound to take under terms of the Non-proliferation Treaty, the report added.

The United States has led a worldwide campaign to ensure Iran does not proceed with what the US charges are plans to turn its civilian nuclear energy program into a cover for making nuclear bombs.

Iran has denied it has a nuclear weapons program.

While in Europe from Feb. 20-24, President Bush listened to specific proposals for economic incentives for Iran from President Chirac, Chancellor Schroeder and British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Bush promised he would consider the proposals on his return to Washington.

Europe's proposals of economic incentives for Iran includes trade benefits, aircraft and spare parts, the New York Times said on Sunday.