No last-minute deal in Iran-EU nuclear talks to avert UN sanction

EU powers and Iran failed to strike a deal in last-ditch nuclear talks that would block possible UN Security Council action over Western fears Tehran is secretly developing atomic weapons.

“Time is running out,” German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said after talks in Vienna with Iran’s top nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani.

The Vienna talks, which also included Britain, France and EU foreign policy supremo Javier Solana, were held “in a constructive atmosphere, but finally we were unable to reach agreement”, Mr Steinmeier said.

There had appeared little room for compromise, with Iran insisting on its right to enrich uranium and Europe and the US saying it must stop the process, which makes nuclear fuel but also atom bomb material.

French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said Iran had to suspend all uranium enrichment activities, including research.

“It is a simple, legitimate requirement which does not hinder the development of Iran,” he said.

The Iranians said discussions with the Europeans would continue “at the highest level”.

A top Iranian official also said Tehran had agreed a compromise with Moscow earlier this week to resolve the nuclear dispute and keep it within the IAEA.