Iran rejects suspension of uranium enrichment
Iran ruled out a total suspension of uranium enrichment today as a second round of talks with European negotiators failed to produce an agreement aimed at avoiding a showdown and the possible threat of UN sanctions.
Britain, France and Germany have offered Iran incentives – a trade deal and peaceful nuclear technology, including a light-water research reactor – in return for assurances that Iran will stop enrichment, which can produce fuel for both nuclear energy and atomic weaponry.
“Total suspension will not be accepted under any circumstances,” said Sirus Naseri, a member of the Iranian delegation that met the European envoys in Vienna.
But Naseri said Iran was still trying to work out a compromise with the Europeans. “We’re negotiating,” he said. “We’re trying to come to an agreement. The next meeting will be soon.”
In London, the Foreign Office said a third round of talks would be held “shortly.”
“Some progress was made towards identifying the elements of a common approach towards the issues,” a spokesman said.
The deal aims at easing fears in the United States and Europe that Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
Diplomats called the EU package a “last chance” offer to Iran ahead of a key November 25 meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which could result in Tehran’s defiance being reported to the UN Security Council, which has the authority to impose punishing sanctions.
