Iran Warned over Suspected Nuclear Weapons

PA News: Britain and Germany today warned Iran to comply with international demands over its suspected nuclear weapons programme. Tehran has yet to honour a deal it agreed a year ago with the UK, France and Germany – acting on behalf of the EU – to suspend its uranium enrichment programme and comply with International Atomic Energy Agency inspections. Press Association

By Jon Smith, Political Editor

Britain and Germany today warned Iran to comply with international demands over its suspected nuclear weapons programme.

Tehran has yet to honour a deal it agreed a year ago with the UK, France and Germany – acting on behalf of the EU – to suspend its uranium enrichment programme and comply with International Atomic Energy Agency inspections.

There will be a board meeting of the IAEA on November 15 to discuss the issue, which could lead to the United Nations security council imposing sanctions.

Mr Straw today met his German counterpart Joschka Fischer and told reporters afterwards:

“We have worked very closely now to try and deal with the deep concerns we have about Iran’s nuclear programme.

“Iran has yet to give us the confidence we need about its intentions.

“We can’t go on indefinitely. Iran can still give us confidence before the IAEA meeting by suspending its uranium enrichment facilities.”

Mr Fischer said: “I want to underline that we are very much on the same track on Iran. We are very concerned about the developments and I think it’s very important that there is not a miscalculation in Tehran.

“They should stick to the agreement we have made.”

Mr Straw said he still hoped the issue could be dealt with by the IAEA board without being referred to the security council.