Geopolitical Monitor - News

VIENNA November 2, 2009 (Reuters) - Iran wants more talks on a U.N.-drafted nuclear deal and to import atomic fuel rather than send its own uranium abroad for processing, a Iranian diplomat said, suggesting terms world powers are likely to rebuff.

Western powers have urged Iran to accept a draft deal in which it would send most of its low-enriched uranium (LEU) abroad by the end of the year for further enrichment to turn it into fuel for a medical reactor in Tehran.

But Iranian Ambassador Ali Asghar Soltanieh told Reuters on Monday that more talks were needed "in order to ensure that our technical concerns, and especially the issue of the guarantee of the fuel supply, are taken into consideration."

Iran's requests will add to doubts that a way out of a standoff with big powers will be found soon.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged Iran to accept the draft proposals. "We urge Iran to accept the agreement as proposed. We are not changing it," she told a news conference in Marrakesh, adding this was a "pivotal moment" for Tehran.

Tehran seems to be stalling after having appeared ready to make concessions to the international community, which is threatening to impose new sanctions over fears that Iran is pursuing an atomic weapons program.

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency urged Iran to accept the deal with the United States, France and Russia, to build confidence in its atomic activities.

"The issue at stake remains that of mutual guarantees amongst the parties," IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei told the U.N. General Assembly in New York.

"I should add, however, that trust and confidence-building are an incremental process that requires focusing on the big picture and a willingness to take risks for peace."

Iran says its enrichment program is purely peaceful and officials have voiced misgivings about parting with the bulk of Iran's LEU, seen as a strategic asset and key bargaining chip.

"We are ready for the next round of technical discussions in Vienna at the IAEA headquarters," Soltanieh said by telephone, adding that the IAEA should now arrange a date.

Iran's U.N. Ambassador Mohammad Khazaee did not mention the fuel proposal in his speech to the General Assembly, which was meeting to discuss the annual report of the IAEA. [nN02441625]

NEW SANCTIONS?

Western powers have signaled that their patience is limited and that they will consider new sanctions early next year unless Iran makes its nuclear work more transparent.

France and Germany urged Iran to accept ElBaradei's deal, echoing earlier comments from Britain and Russia.

Continued...

Tags:  Energy Security - Middle East - Iran, Islamic Republic of