Powers ‘shifting to sanctions’ in dealing with Iran

A senior US diplomat says the six major powers that are involved in nuclear talks with Iran are considering a transition from negotiation to new sanctions.

“At present, we are considering the possibility of a transition from dialogue to sanctions because we have always had two parallel ways,” RIA Novosti quoted the US Ambassador to Russia John Beyrle as saying on Wednesday.

“The hope is always there that Iran could finally respond positively on IAEA proposals, but if not, we have to be prepared for something more serious,” Beryrle added.

The remarks come as an IAEA spokeswoman, Gill Tudor, on Wednesday declared that a UN-brokered deal for nuclear swap between Iran and the West is “still on the table.”

Political directors from the P5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany) met in New York on Saturday to discuss Iran’s nuclear program.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehman-Parast on Wednesday reiterated that Iran is ready to accept the nuclear swap deal if takes place in stages.

“Iran is ready to exchange fuel in stages. Should both sides accept the basis of the proposal, discussions may be held over the approach,” Mehman-Parast said.

“We are still waiting for the response of the other party,” he added.
Tehran has repeatedly declared that it will not give up the Iranian nation’s nuclear rights under Western pressure.