Nuclear deadline approaches for Iran
Iran under increasing pressure to agree to the deal on its controversial nuclear programme
Also In The News
|
Iran has reportedly agreed in principle to a draft deal that would defuse tensions over its nuclear programme. |  |
Friday, 23, Oct 2009 01:04
By Richard James.
Iran is coming under increasing pressure to agree to a United Nations-brokered deal on its controversial nuclear programme.
Today is the deadline for Tehran to agree the deal, drafted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), after talks between France, Russia, Iran and the United States in Vienna this week.
The deal would see Iran get enough fuel to run its nuclear reactor but not enough to develop any form of weaponry.
Russia has formally back the proposals and called on the other nations to follow suit.
"The Russian experts participated in a meeting at which proposals have been formed on behalf of the IAEA," foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said.
"We expect that not only Iran but the rest of the participants - the countries on whom the realisation of this scheme depends - will confirm their agreement with this package," he said.
The plans see Moscow being responsible for enriching Iran's uranium to the level required for Iran's reactor.
The uranium would then be sent to the IAEA and to France to develop it for domestic purposes.
Tehran has continually denied attempting to produce a nuclear arsenal, insisting instead its commitment to creating a new energy source.