World powers ‘anger’ as nuclear Iran plea ignored

THE SIX world powers studying Iran’s response to their offer of nuclear negotiations are likely to reject Tehran’s terms for talks because they do not refer to the possibility of freezing uranium enrichment, diplomats said yesterday.

They said the reaction among the six powers – France, Germany, Britain, Russia, the US and China – was one of disappointment and even anger. This is due to the lack of a response to their main demand that Tehran agree to freeze uranium enrichment.

Two senior diplomats who have been briefed on the Iranian response said the 25-page document from Tehran does not suggest an enrichment moratorium even once negotiations start — and that it includes only a vague reference to a willingness to discuss all aspects of the country’s nuclear programme.