Nuclear watchdog to discuss Iran

Iran’s nuclear programme is on the agenda at a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency today. It follows the signing of a controversial deal between Tehran and Moscow. Russia is to supply fuel to the Islamic republic’s first atomic reactor. It is due to start operating sometime next year.

The agreement, formalised by the two countries’ nuclear energy chiefs on Sunday at the plant in southern Iran, has long been opposed by Washington. The US accuses Iran of secretly developing nuclear weapons. A key part of the deal obliges Tehran to repatriate all spent nuclear fuel to Russia. Moscow hopes this will allay American fears. But a leading Republican in the US Senate is anything but satisfied. John McCain has called for Russia to be barred from the next G8 summit of major nations. Iran insists its only interest is generating power.

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