Iran rejects suspension of uranium enrichment

Iran ruled out a total suspension of uranium enrichment today as a second round of talks with European negotiators failed to produce an agreement aimed at avoiding a showdown and the possible threat of UN sanctions.

Britain, France and Germany have offered Iran incentives – a trade deal and peaceful nuclear technology, including a light-water research reactor – in return for assurances that Iran will stop enrichment, which can produce fuel for both nuclear energy and atomic weaponry.