IRAN: Iran has rejected a EU proposal that it stop enriching uranium in return for nuclear technology, increasing the likelihood that it will be reported to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions.
Diplomats had said if Iran rejected the proposal drafted by Britain, Germany and France, most EU countries would back a US demand that Tehran be reported to the Security Council when the International Atomic Energy Agency meets on November 25th.
The EU trio want Iran to halt uranium enrichment since it can be used to make nuclear bomb material. Iran insists it only wants the fuel for nuclear power stations. The EU had offered to supply Iran with reactor fuel and help it build a light-water power reactor.
"An indefinite uranium suspension is unacceptable for Iran," a Foreign Ministry spokesman said, but left the door open for an agreement after further talks scheduled for later this week.
Meanwhile, in an interview in Germany, the former UN weapons inspector Dr Hans Blix has urged the West to offer concessions if it wants Iran to scrap uranium enrichment. Dr Blix said concessions might also include improved trade relations or a non-aggression pact.
If the West asked Iran to abandon enrichment, "then you are asking them to give something up they have a right to be doing. Then you have to accept that they will make demands."
Dr Blix warned against air attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities and said no nuclear weapons were being developed at such sites. Iran had probably moved any enriched uranium to other storage sites, he said.