Amid intense diplomacy, Britain, France and Germany circulated a draft resolution on Tuesday, ahead of a key meeting of the United Nations atomic watchdog, urging Iran to stop nuclear fuel work that has raised concerns of a possible weapons programme. But diplomats warned the tactic is running into opposition.
Iran warned that talks with the European Union could collapse as negotiators met in Geneva on Wednesday to discuss EU demands that the Islamic republic abandon nuclear fuel work, in order to guarantee it will not make atomic weapons. Iran expects Europe to accept its proposal to allow uranium enrichment.
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/ 16 September 2004
The United States and Europe appeared to be closer toward agreement on Thursday on setting a deadline for Iran to clear up questions about its nuclear programme, diplomats said, although differences remained over what to do afterwards. Iran could face being taken before the United Nations Security Council for possible sanctions.
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/ 14 September 2004
The United States appears headed for a showdown with Iran over the Islamic republic’s alleged nuclear weapons programme, with both sides taking hardline positions on Tuesday at the United Nations atomic agency. Iran has said it will not agree to an unlimited suspension of uranium enrichment.
The UN nuclear watchdog meets next week with the United States, which has vowed to keep up pressure on Iran over an alleged hidden atomic weapons programme but backed off on taking the matter to the Security Council.
Iraqi officials were to meet with UN arms experts in Vienna on Monday to discuss resuming inspections, under the shadow of US threats to enforce disarmament if necessary.