UK prepares to host 'tough' nuclear talks

The UN nuclear agency’s confirmation that Iran has expanded its uranium enrichment programme sets the stage for difficult negotiations on new UN sanctions, with the US, Britain and France again likely to seek tougher measures than Russia and China will accept.

Senior diplomats from the five permanent Security Council nations and Germany will meet in London on Monday, to start work on a new resolution to try to pressure Iran to suspend enrichment, which can lead to the production of nuclear weapons.

Some diplomats said the new measure may invoke travel bans, expand the list of technology and materials countries are banned from making available to Iran and create stiffer economic sanctions, among other options.

Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad vowed today that Iran would defend its nuclear programme, describing his country as a potential role model for others trying to develop advanced technology.

“The Iranian nation has resisted all bullies and corrupt powers and it will fully defend all its rights,” Iranian state television quoted Mr Ahmadinejad as telling people in the northern Iranian town of Fuman.

US deputy ambassador Jackie Sanders told a Security Council meeting on non-proliferation today that “the Security Council should be prepared to take additional appropriate measures to communicate to the Iranian regime that its non-compliance is unacceptable and to persuade it to cooperate".