The strategy behind the Obama-Iran story leaks?

Why is the White House denying this story in the New York Times today?

Here is one possible strategy:

Other than Benghazi, Iran is the biggest foreign policy topic right now and would have normally been one of Romney's attack points in Monday night's debate on Foreign Policy. However, leaking this story (front page of the New York Times--U.S. Officials Say Iran Has Agreed to Nuclear Talks) means that it has been neutralized already.

How?

The Obama administration may think this will stop Romney from talking about it, but if Romney does go ahead and talk about Obama's lack of progress in dealing with Iran, then Obama can suddenly admit that, well, yes, the story is actually true...and that neutralizes Romney's criticism!

Brilliant?