Iran warms to Russian nuclear compromise

Iran says it is “positive” about a plan to enrich uranium in Russia as a way to ease the stand-off over its nuclear activities. Negotiator Ali Larijani made the statement after a meeting with Russia’s security chief Igor Ivanov and other officials in Moscow.

But he warned that if Iran is referred to the United Nations Security Council over the programme – as the US, Britain, France and Germany want – it will begin enriching uranium itself. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad insists the programme is solely aimed at meeting the country’s energy needs but the West fears Tehran may be trying to develop nuclear weapons. Today’s statement comes a week before the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, meets to discuss whether to refer Iran to the Security Council, a move which could eventually lead to sanctions. Talks between Tehran and European countries stalled after it resumed nuclear fuel research earlier this month.

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