Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

No threats and no Israel: Iran lays down terms ahead of nuclear talks

Paul Ames
Saturday 13 May 2006 19:15 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

"If they want to resort to the use of force we will not go into dialogue with them," he said at a summit of eight Muslim-majority nations held in Nusa Dua, Indonesia. "We are ready to hold dialogue with all countries of the world except for the Israeli regime."

Tehran would abide by the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the International Atomic Enery Agency in co-operating with other countries, he said. There was no reason for anyone to be nervous about Iran's nuclear plans, he added. "All of them know one hundred per cent that the nuclear programme in Iran is totally peaceful."

At a meeting in Brussels tomorrow, European Union foreign ministers are expected to restate their willingness to help Iran develop a civilian nuclear power programme if the Islamic republic agrees to international controls to ensure it will not build atomic weapons.

The EU and the US fear Iran's nuclear programme is being used to develop nuclear weapons, but Tehran says the programme is peaceful and designed to generate nuclear power.

The Europeans are seeking to build on a package of economic and political incentives offered to Iran in August last year in return for a permanent end to uranium enrichment activities.

Iran rejected that deal, but EU governments have continued to offer sweeteners to persuade Iran to bring its nuclear programme into line, as well as pushing at the United Nations for measures that could lead to sanctions if Iran refuses.

Germany, France and Britain - who are leading the European efforts - are working to outline possible advantages Iran might be offered if it complies with international demands. They will meet the US, Russia and China in London on Friday to discuss the resumption of negotiations with Tehran.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in