Iran takes tough stance in nuclear talks

Iran and Russia appeared at loggerheads today as they launched a new round of talks on the Kremlin’s proposed uranium enrichment deal – an offer aimed at easing Western fears that Tehran is forging ahead with efforts to build an atomic bomb.

Setting the stage for tough negotiations in Moscow, the chief Iranian nuclear negotiator said there was no need – in spite of Moscow’s insistence – for Tehran to resume a moratorium on uranium enrichment activity.