Iran: Nuclear breakthrough possible

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said today that a breakthrough over Tehran’s nuclear program was possible, and welcomed unconditional talks with all parties, including the United States.

“We think that if there is good will, a breakthrough to get out of a situation they (the European Union and United States) have created for themselves... is possible,” Mottaki told a press conference.

Six world powers agreed on Thursday to offer Iran a new package of incentives if it gives up uranium enrichment, or sanctions if it refuses. The gambit could either defuse a global confrontation with Iran or hasten one.

The US warned Iran on Friday that it would not have much time to respond to the international package of rewards, suggesting that the window could close and be replaced by penalties if the Islamic republic doesn’t react fast.

“We are waiting to officially receive the proposals. We will make our views known after studying the package,” Mottaki said.

The package, agreed by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany, carries the threat of UN sanctions if Tehran remains defiant over what the West calls a rogue nuclear programme that could produce an atomic bomb.

A short statement did not mention economic sanctions, but US officials said privately that Iran could face tough Security Council sanctions if it refused to give up uranium enrichment and other disputed nuclear activities.

The formal offer of talks is expected to be made by France, Britain and Germany, the three EU nations that previously negotiated with Tehran.

A senior US state department official said he expected Tehran would be invited to begin new negotiations “within a matter of days”.

The US, in a major policy shift, agreed this week to join those talks on the condition that Tehran suspends all uranium enrichment and related activities. It would be the first major public negotiations between the two countries in more than 25 years.

Mottaki insisted today that Iran wouldn’t accept to join conditional talks.

“These negotiations have to be without any conditions. We won’t accept any condition for talks,” he told reporters.

“Member states of the board of governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency can be parties for talks,” added Mottaki.

The US is on the board of governors of the IAEA, the UN’s nuclear watchdog.

Mottaki said Iran had its own views on how to conduct the talks. He did not elaborate, saying Tehran would make its position known once the talks develop.