U.S. doesn't foresee nuclear deal with Iran in near future
Iran is optimistic regarding a deal with world powers to exchange LEU for higher-grade fuel.
By News Agencies Tags: Germany Iran nuclear Israel newsU.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Saturday he saw no sign a deal was close between Iran and Western powers on exchanging some of its low-enriched uranium (LEU) for higher-grade fuel, suggesting it was time to move forward with sanctions.
"I don't have the sense that we're close to an agreement," Gates told reporters in Ankara where he met Turkish leaders.
His comments stood in contrast to those by Iran's foreign minister, Manouchehr Mottaki, who said on Friday he saw good prospects for clinching a deal with world powers on exchanging LEU for higher-grade fuel it can use in a reactor producing medical isotopes.
"If they are prepared to take up the original proposal of the P-5 plus one of delivering 12,000 kilograms of their low enriched uranium, all at once to an agreed party, I think there would be a response to that," he added, referring to the five permanent U.N. Security Council members plus Germany.
Gates said President Obama had taken unprecedented steps to engage with Iran, describing the response so far as "disappointing".
"But the reality is they have done nothing to reassure the international community that they are prepared to comply with the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) or stop their progress towards a nuclear weapon, and therefore I think various nations need to think about whether the time has come for a different tack," Gates added, in an apparent reference to sanctions.
"The P5 plus one has always had a dual track approach - that engagement would be tried first, and if that didn't work, then pressure would be applied. The purpose of the pressure would be to bring Iran back to the negotiating table to negotiate seriously about constraining this program," he added.
On Friday, Mottaki said his country wanted changes to an internationally proposed plan that would allow it to keep its controversial nuclear program, but said he was optimistic that a deal could be reached.
The message, in an interview set to run in the Saturday edition of the Sueddeutsche Zeitung, came just days after Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad signaled that his country was ready to accept the deal, in what was seen as a possible breakthrough.
The agreement proposed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would see Iran ship low-intensity uranium abroad for enrichment and later re-import it for use in a medical reactor, used to fight cancer, in Tehran.
The deal was proposed to allow Iran access to nuclear fuel without having to enrich its own uranium.
Iran faces a possible fourth round of UN Security Council sanctions over its uranium enrichment work which Western nations believe is designed to develop a nuclear bomb.
Tehran denies this and says its atomic program is only for civilian purposes.
"We think that this process would allow us to enter into a new atmosphere of trust... We have signaled our agreement on the highest level, through our president, and that is an important point," Mottaki told the newspaper.
But at the same time, he warned that his country would not accept the IAEA's proposed timeline, which would see Iran export its uranium and wait for up to a year before receiving the enriched fuel.
Western nations have so far insisted that Tehran stick to the full terms of the IAEA proposal.
But Mottaki said that the diplomatic atmosphere had improved in recent months, suggesting that a final deal might be possible.
"The most important point is the political will to exchange fuel... It's important that both sides undertake confidence-building measures. We have the feeling that that is happening," he said.
Mottaki was speaking on the margins of the Munich Security Conference, at which he registered as a last-minute speaker on Friday morning.
China FM urges patience, while Russia hints at tougher UN stance
China's foreign minister on Friday urged the world to be patient and keep up diplomatic efforts with Iran to try and find a solution to Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi told a gathering of the world's top defense officials that negotiations with Iran's government have entered a crucial stage.
"The parties concerned should, with the overall and long-term interests in mind, step up diplomatic efforts, stay patient and adopt a more flexible, pragmatic and proactive policy," he said. "The purpose is to seek a comprehensive, long-term and proper solution through dialogue and negotiations."
China's insistence on diplomacy comes just after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said earlier Friday that UN Security Council members may have to discuss Iran if the Islamic Republic fails to behave constructively in a dispute over its nuclear work.
A permanent member of the UN Security Council, China is a major player in the dispute with Iran over its nuclear activities.
At a joint news conference with German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle in the German capital, Lavrov signaled Moscow may be ready to take a tougher stance on Iran.
"In certain situations, if we do not see a constructive response on the part of Iran, we will probably have to discuss this issue within the UN Security Council," Lavrov told reporters, adding he still hoped to find a diplomatic solution.
Earlier, organizers of Germany's Munich Security Conference, which starts on Friday, announced the surprise attendance of Mottaki. The Islamic Republic's disputed nuclear program is set to take center stage at the event.
At the three-day annual event, top world politicians and diplomats will discuss security issues in the Middle East and elsewhere in a series of speeches and panel discussions, and some will hold informal talks with each other.
A conference spokeswoman said it had been confirmed that Mottaki would take part but she gave no details of when he might speak. An earlier program had not mentioned Mottaki.
Senior Iranian officials have attended the conference in the past and sometimes held bilateral meetings with European officials.
A spokesman for Germany's foreign office said he could not exclude the possibility that Mottaki would meet Westerwelle or other senior officials, but that there had been no decision yet.
Westerwelle said before meeting Lavrov on Friday that Iran had been using delaying tactics instead of taking action to resolve the dispute over its nuclear program.
"For the past two years Iran has repeatedly bluffed and played tricks," Westerwelle told Deutschlandfunk radio. "It has played for time and of course we in the international community cannot accept a nuclear-armed Iran."
Other conference attendees include Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov, European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, Yukiya Amano, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and U.S. national security adviser James Jones.
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When and if Iran has the stability of mind to be trusted with a nuclear warhead, then the international community might consider it.But this incoherant and evasive ploy to "trick" people with stall tactics only exposes their un worthiness to handle such power.
listen, freedom is not for free! it has never been! comming in here having a big mouth wont solve the problem! personally i'd rather choose death in the fight for freedom than a life under terrorist slavery! to me it is not the single individual that counts it's the belivings, the whole picture. you two obviously stick onto your SINGLE lives ignoring the needs of the society. there is no way to avoid this war simply cause there are too many humans this planet can stand.ressources only for a few! you cowards should stop taking yourself too serious and care for the community as it should be!
The US had its war with China. Israel is welcome to yours. But don't plan on just seeing a Chinese Battalion. The last US encounter with them was with an army of a million. They are now our banker.
"China is deluding itself if it believes Teheran would not use nuclear weapons on the Han Chinese in response to the suppression of China?s Muslim minority." It aint so cos you say its so BH. Iran is not the lunatic on the block, thats Israel. Remember the Dayan doctrine-MAD DOG! Too crazy to disturb? They would no more commit instant suicide to save China's Muslims from a hard time than Joe Stalin would put himself out for the Greek or Spanish communists. In short, Chinese Muslims are a complete irrelevance to Iran-not even on their radar. If you believe the nonsense put out nightly on Fox TV you will be forever prone to the same kind of crap that said Saddam really had WMDs and buried them in the Syrian desert(another Fox scoop!). In short, you are deluded.
"israeli commandos and landing units are said "to be in place ready to go" Go where? Whilst you have those wet dreams try focusing for a moment. Sure China sees Iran as an invaluable supplier, but most importantly what you call Obama's "let`s be friends foreign policy" includes supplying advanced weapons to Taiwan as well as hard talking over American exports to China, as well as manipulating Google. Do you read the news...at all? They warned the US of the serious consequences of these actions already! So China is hardly likely to be falling over backwards for tougher sanctions. Russia might be more forthcoming, because unlike China Obama can claim a quid pro quo for the abandonment of Bushit's anti missile shield.
"China is deluding itself if it believes Teheran would not use nuclear weapons on the Han Chinese in response to the suppression of China?s Muslim minority." It aint so cos you say its so BH. Iran is not the lunatic on the block, thats Israel. Remember the Dayan doctrine-MAD DOG! Too crazy to disturb? They would no more commit instant suicide to save China's Muslims from a hard time than Joe Stalin would put himself out for the Greek or Spanish communists. In short, Chinese Muslims are a complete irrelevance to Iran-not even on their radar. If you believe the nonsense put out nightly on Fox TV you will be forever prone to the same kind of crap that said Saddam really had WMDs and buried them in the Syrian desert(another Fox scoop!). In short, you are deluded.
and replace it with something more effective... like a wet sponge.
The Western world is treatening Iran with senctions and perhaps military action to keep Iran from obtaining Nuklear weapons. You on the other hand are suggesting war with China, a nation with the largest army in the world plus one of the largest nuclear arsenals in the world. Would please explain how war with China will bring freedom to Iranian people, I personally believe it will bring ARMAGEDON on our world, END OF TIME. That will definately stop Iran from obtaining Nukes. However, according to Shyite (Iranian) beliefs armagedon will bring back the 12th Imam who will set up a world government in Babylon. So everything is going according to the Ayatolahs and Ahmadijahns plans
that very soon we'll have Nuclear weapons and then you'll do exacly the same as you did with North Korea...nothing. As Ahmadinejad said, "Those who rule the Middle East, rule the World." A new day is dawning...
"China is deluding itself if it believes Teheran would not use nuclear weapons on the Han Chinese in response to the suppression of China?s Muslim minority." It aint so cos you say its so BH. Iran is not the lunatic on the block, thats Israel. Remember the Dayan doctrine-MAD DOG! Too crazy to disturb? They would no more commit instant suicide to save China's Muslims from a hard time than Joe Stalin would put himself out for the Greek or Spanish communists. In short, Chinese Muslims are a complete irrelevance to Iran-not even on their radar. If you believe the nonsense put out nightly on Fox TV you will be forever prone to the same kind of crap that said Saddam really had WMDs and buried them in the Syrian desert(another Fox scoop!). In short, you are deluded.
fantasizer.
... meanwhile they can beever on with their nuke business, whatever it is...
The US already fought China and isn't going to go for a second round. You can feel free to cut ties to China. We did that once, then we got smart. They are our banker, now. The last time the Chinese and US fought, they didn't throw a battalion at the US, they sent over a million soldiers and it almost started the first nuclear war on the mainland of Asia. And that was way before China had any nukes.
Just another play for time while duping the stupid West and UN yet again
iran is playing a game which it can not win. it may have china as an ally but even if we, the western world, will fall into war with china, the iranian regime has to be removed immediately! let us destroy this regime right now and once and for all. time to use the big weapons, no more loss of (our) lives but hughe loss of the enemies. time for a decission! time for the fight for freedom and religion! time for WAR!
Mottaki thinks we... in the west are dyslexic. He believes, the US and the EU can't do the logic needed to see through Tehran's deception. Welcome to your Kodak moment... Mottaki. Everyone understands, exchanging LEU is something Iran needs desperately, so is becoming a nuclear power. But a pipe-dream is not simply mastering the nuclear cycle. An operational nuclear super-power needs a precise and technological delivery system. Something that will take Iran years to master. Get a clue Mottaki... it's not like we can't see the smoke someone blows up our rear-end.
..again. Such short memories, if any... .. 7 years or so after it stuffs up, as it surely will, they'll be blaming everyone but the people who started it.
Says to Wait; Wait For What? No China You Wait as the day draws near for rebellion by the mulsim's as they get closer to your doorstep and beaware of the decissions that you make as you may well head to the HAUGUE for your atrocious behaviour towards human dignity
Well I am optimistic now that there might be a deal from Iranian side and they will step back, China asks for patience (what ever it means ) and I am truly glad that they ripped themselves their mask of and even the last low bimbo moosad agent will understand now that those who push for new world order by artificially fusion of Chinese communists (indirect supporters from Iran and north Korea and un suporters of democracy and all what was good achieved in the past ) with western democratic world are putting also Israel on the food plate and our all freedom in risk. May wisdom return on the desks an on private base I am delighted that some evil persons didn’t not accomplished their game. International interest is on upraised and world peace will be protected-one way or the other with al chuzpe it takes.
if they will be happy with U.S. military missile shield in Romania?
Germany conducts trade with Iran to make money(Germany is one of Iran's largest trading partner). Then it uses this money to build military hardware for Israel.(Israel receives 2 free submarines from Germany, and purchase other military hardware at huge discount).
Walter. Money rules. It was always so.
Like it or not, the US cannot afford anything unless China, our banker says it will lend the money. Europe is willing to do anything that doesn't hurt Europe. And Russia will go along with anything that boosts Russian oil prices and Russian oil sales. The Middle Kingdom has said negotiate. That is done by diplomats, not yahoos like Ayalon or Lieberman. And it is done by resolve and compromise, not bluster, threats and humiliation. Reality sometimes sucks. Those who want a tougher US line, vote tea-bagger next time. Get rid of those woossey Republicans and Democrats - And get you own kids enlisted in the US Army.
You are so far ahead of the Israeli 'right wing' that you may be counterproductive. China owns the world economy at this point. They are well aware that 'lesser' countries are not going to just roll over. They are anticipating a big shift in currencies, but they don't yet know for sure what form it will take. At this point, China has one priority only. Making development of its defensive assets accelerate in any way. It always boils down to cash.
Um, The Saudis offered China cheaper gas than the Iranians do specifically to get them on board the sanctions wagon. China's only interest in Iran is undermining US foreign policy. Ditto for North Korea. Ever wondered why there has been no progress for 2 decades in the 6 party talks? North Korea is China's lapdog and it is seeking to cultivate Iran as a second one. Even the Arab states are willing to ally with Israel to stand against Iran's nuclear program. Except this time China will not be able to control the consequences of regional proliferation because the other ME governments are not under their thumb. China is playing with fire and you're living in a dreamworld of rainbows and sunshine if you think for a minute that they'r on our side.
Sanctions will never work on Iran, the ayatollahs want power and prestige. First, they don't care if the average Iranian suffers for a time, they know that the momen t they have the nuke, sanctions end and the whole world will be at Iran's mercy. Russia is now supporting sanctions because they now realize Iran wants a nuke. Russia does't want nuklear Iran on its border. Unfortunately only military force will stop Iran from obtaining nukes
Cut all ties, and arm Taiwan. China does not provide us with any future as it is a totalitarian state such states never last and are unreliable allies. China is seen as an upcoming power but it is nothing but a loser country with an inflated population/army. I have no doubt that the US army could defeat any Chinese battalion. CUT ALL TIES WITH THE TOTALITARIAN POLICE REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
That is one of the reasons I keep saying that the time to confront Iran was in 2001-2003, when China's business interests were not so extensive.
If there effective sanctions exist...why such sanctions are not already in place. The simple fact is that effectiveness would depend upon unified action by the international community...which of course is not likely to occur.
China is deluding itself if it believes Teheran would not use nuclear weapons on the Han Chinese in response to the suppression of China?s Muslim minority. China is as likely to become the first victim of a nuclear arm Iran as anyone else, perhaps more so.
In the last decades, China invaded Tibet, Viet nam e often menace to take over Taiwan by force. And now, we see the chinese speaking about dialogue and diplomace.
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when are you going to learn your lesson that china is not a friend to israel? come on israel you used to be smarter than this
Finally, they see the light too! Let's all welcome their joining the fold.
China oppressed its people and was "allowed" to have Nukes. The former Soviet Union oppressed its people and was "allowed" to have many nukes. Israel tormented and still torments the Palestinians and was "allowed" to have nukes. India and Pakistan were also "allowed" to have Nukes. And Iran will be allowed to have Nukes, even if all Jews in the world commit suicide.
No one is permitted to make nuclear weapons. Not being an NPT member does not mean certain attack. Look at Israel, North Korea, India, and Pakistan; no one attacks their nuke sites. No war is ever justified. People create wars to satisfy their own agenda.
The ONLY reason this is coming out of lavrov's mouth now, is because there's a lot of chatter suggesting both israel and the US have moved strike force elements into place. The US navy has quickly built up it's presence in the gulf...israeli commandos and landing units are said to be in place ready to go ..factor in that iran is also trying to expedite delivery of the delayed S-300 order...BOTTOM LINE? russian and chinese foot dragging has made this situation more acute, not less...obama's soft "let's be friends" foregin policy outreach has nothing to do with this latest russian overture...its because of the strength being shown of an impending attack that russia is now wanting to maybe play ball.
When is ISRAEL going to acknowledge it HAS NUCLEAR WEAPON? And that it used URANIUM in south Lebanon attack?. Finally when this TERRORIST STATE will open its plants to INTERNATIONAL INSEPECTION?. ISRAEL CAN NOT continue to act as a vandals defying the international legality. ISRAEL HAS HAD A NUCLEAR MONOPOLY in the region for several decades. You cannot hide or ignore the truth, the double standards, of Israel's nuclear capability forever
Why? Why now? What is clear? What is present?
than your little world
Though the Russian FM says that the UN Security Council may have to take atougher stance on Iran, another Russian representative, when asked whether will supply Iran with the anti-missile devices it ordered, refused to answer.
This statement is particularly important in that it comes from Russia, one of Iran's most important trading partners and a country which has always opposed sanctions against Iran whenever possible. Its significance is that the Iranian nuclear threat to the rest of the world is now so clear and present a danger that effective sanctions are the only viable alternative to war.
Russia's actions are predictable enough that it is likely smaller groups will have prepared themselves for it, but it is still a good sign for Israel. The danger always comes back to small local groups with inordinate weapons and a lack of basic morality.
but won't !
Correct me if Im wrong, but didnt Ahmadinejad say that Iran was now prepared to accept the terms and conditions of the UN proposal? But no, the west still wants to punish the Iranian people and make us surref. Thank you Israel.
Do as you would have others do unto you. Israel is in exactly the same position as Iran On non-declaration of nuclear sites, So what is good for the goose?
When is ISRAEL going to acknowledge it HAS NUCLEAR WEAPON? And that it used URANIUM in south Lebanon attack?. Finally when this TERRORIST STATE will open its plants to INTERNATIONAL INSEPECTION?. ISRAEL CAN NOT continue to act as a vandals defying the international legality. ISRAEL HAS HAD A NUCLEAR MONOPOLY in the region for several decades. You cannot hide or ignore the truth, the double standards, of Israel's nuclear capability forever.
Iran Nukes. But before that,just look at the Iranian Foreign Minister,Manouchehr Mottaki. What you see staring at you is someone that is being eaten by some kind of terminal disease. A face lined with cruelty,& brutality. Except the worst coming out of Iran.
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This morning, that sentence alone was reason enough to go into the kitchen and to make some tea. We should try to avoid some fighting words and start to say what we really mean. Maybe there is not much.