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Iran, IAEA set to hold fresh talks

Atul Aneja

Three sets of proposals likely to be discussed

DUBAI: Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are set to hold fresh talks in order to chart out a plan to defuse tensions surrounding Tehran’s nuclear programme. The deputy director general for safeguards at the IAEA, Olli Heinonen, is expected to begin a three-day visit to Tehran on July 11.

Ali Asghar Soltanieh, the Iranian representative at the IAEA, clarified that the visiting delegation would not undertake fresh nuclear inspections during its stay.

The IAEA chief, Mohamed ElBaradei, has said that it would take around 60 days to draw up a new “plan of action.” Thereafter, its implementation could begin in order to resolve questions regarding Iranian nuclear activities that might have military applications.

Iran has sought talks with the IAEA at a time when members of the U.N. Security Council are planning to consider fresh sanctions against Tehran, for not freezing its uranium enrichment programme. However, China has said that diplomacy should be given more time to work. Russia has also opposed any immediate tightening of sanctions, citing the possibility of a positive outcome of talks between Iran and the IAEA.

Iran wants the IAEA and not the Security Council to be the forum for discussions of its nuclear dossier. On the contrary, the United States has been exhorting its European allies and other members of the Security Council for adopting more stringent measures against Tehran.

Despite American pressure, Iran and the European Union have recently revived their nuclear dialogue.

The Iranians are also seeking support from the members of the Non Aligned Movement (NAM) for defusing the crisis.

Analysts point out that there are three sets of proposals that might come up for discussions. There is an existing suggestion that Iran could be supplied nuclear fuel produced by an international consortium outside the country — possibly in Russia. The Americans apparently favour this proposal as it would disallow the Iranians to master the nuclear fuel cycle, the key to developing weapon-grade enriched uranium.

The Iranians, on the other hand, want the Council to recognise “facts on the ground.”

Mr. ElBaradei, on his part, has favoured the “time-out” proposal to help ease tensions. Under this proposal, Iran could suspend its nuclear programme while the West would halt imposition of sanctions.

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