• Published 02:10 02.10.09
  • Latest update 12:22 02.10.09

U.S.: We won't let Iran stall long enough to develop nuclear program

Talks between Iran and six world powers in Geneva end with agreement to meet again this month.

By Yossi Melman Tags: Iran U.S. Iran nuclear Israel news

GENEVA - The United States will press Iran and not allow it to stall long enough to develop a nuclear program, American officials Thursday told Haaretz at the Geneva Talks 2 forum. The talks on Tehran's nuclear ambitions are being held between Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council - the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain - plus Germany.

The negotiations ended with a number of resolutions, primarily the decision to have another round of talks later this month.

This agreement - which suggests neither party was interested in a breakdown in talks - was reached at the end of consultations that began in the morning and went on until 5 P.M. in the afternoon Thursday.

The talks between William Burns, leading Washington's delegation, and Iran's top negotiator, Saeed Jalili, were the first meaningful discussions on bilateral issues since both countries broke off diplomatic relations 30 years ago.

After the talks, held in an 18th century villa outside the Swiss city, European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana and Jalili spoke with reporters at the Intercontinental in Geneva. Solana said the meeting with Iran was the first such encounter in 15 months.

The starting position of the six countries negotiating with Iran, Solana said, was agreed upon last week in New York in a meeting by the countries' foreign ministers. Solana said that all the issues that the ministers decided to negotiate were put forth in the Geneva talks.

Solana went on to explain that the proposal of the the six-country bloc is a "freeze in return for a freeze," meaning a freeze on the Iranian efforts to enrich uranium on its own soil in return for a freeze on the sanctions imposed against Iran three years ago by the United Nations Security Council, and a halt on new sanctions.

According to the EU official, the talks yielded three meaningful results. The first was the very fact that the forum took place. The second was the agreement on a follow-up meeting and the third was Iran's statement that it would cooperate fully and immediately with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Iran, Solana said, agreed to allow international inspectors to visit its recently-revealed nuclear fuel plant at Qom within the next few weeks. The UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, meanwhile announced it will send it head, Mohamed ElBaradei, to Iran this weekend to "work out the details" for inspection of the Islamic Republic's second nuclear facility.

Additionally, IAEA experts are scheduled to meet with Iranian officials to "determine principles for nuclear cooperation."

Solana said Iran had also agreed to export its own low-enriched uranium from one specific facility, a small research facility in Tehran producing isotopes for medical purposes, for further enrichment.

Solana portrayed that agreement as progress toward Iran agreeing to limit its own enrichment activities. The agreement does not apply to the much bigger Iranian enrichment facility in Natanz.

Iran maintains that all of its uranium enrichment is for peaceful purposes, mostly for energy production.

Solana did not answer Haaretz's question as to whether the talks with Iran will have a deadline. Jalili, speaking at a separate press conference, presented the talks as a success for Iran, stressing they did not only focus on the Iranian issue but also about the global economy.

He said the threat of a military strike against Iran has been dropped, and criticized "the world's silence" in face of threats to bomb Iranian facilities.

Reuters reported Thursday that U.S. President Barack Obama warned after the talks in Geneva that American patience with the Islamic Republic was not unlimited.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton called the six-power talks with Iran held in Geneva on nuclear issues a productive session that has opened the door to a positive outcome.

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  • 37. 0 0
    #28 Say Cupcake, Lynn
    • ballistic
    • 03.10.09
    • 17:39

    You may as well avoid getting your panties twisted. Nobody is going to bomb Iran. We've become accustomed to warmongering from you and yours and are still trying to clear the mushroom cloud emanating from Iraq, thanks to you and your neocon buddies. You must have the Masada complex embedded in your genes. Let Israel take care of Iran as the threats against her are never ending and far reaching and never once does it occur to, er, 'folks' such as yourself that your behavior historically has been the problem. I guess YOU don't believe God will side with Israel, elseways you guys would not be perpetual warmongers. Now have tea and calm down while we clear the Iraq "mushroom" cloud you and yours sold us. Tea?

  • 36. 0 0
    #29 Norman
    • ballistic
    • 03.10.09
    • 17:34

    Nope, sorry ole chap, either way I am home!!! My claim doesn't go back 2,000 years ago either. Save your Hasbara ploybook for somebody that doesn't know better. I have more claim to Israel through genetics than you. Thankfully, folks in the int'l community clearly recognize what you posted as poppycock. Now have tea and settle down and stop trying to shine the occupation turd. It will not shine.

  • 35. 0 0
    Everyone has a stake in Iran's bombs.
    • petra
    • 03.10.09
    • 13:12

    Only the maniac mullahs want the bombs. The world has other ideas, if Iran brutalizes her own people, what chance does a non muslim have in Iran or out of Iran? The mentality they have is, full steam ahead and they are determined to have many nuclear bombs and Iran's neighbors can't live w/ that threat. Russia was the key. She nows sees the danger and they want once more to ally w/ the west. Sanctions are a joke, Iran has managed to make this much progress w/ sanctions. Why not strike their ancient oil processing plant and cut off all $$$ they use to build the bombs? Something big is coming, war? A limited strike on Iran? Something. We should know sooner than later.

  • 34. 0 0
    #31 Dakar
    • Jim
    • 03.10.09
    • 09:42

    In 1935 German Jews were innocent lambs led to the slaughter. But the day of innocence is now past. The question today is: which wolf is the more ravenous?

  • 33. 0 0
    #26 Mark Lincoln
    • Jim
    • 03.10.09
    • 09:28

    Wouldn't it be un-nerving if: Israel actually tested a nuclear bomb? Iran actually built one or two nuclear power plants? The US House of Representatives refused to futher fund the Afghanistan war? GB pulled out of Asia and left the USA hanging? Abbas actually retired? Or (shudder!) what if someone actually figured out Mark Lincoln's secret? Whatever would we do then?

  • 32. 0 0
    Get Smart
    • Fortuna Benmayor
    • 03.10.09
    • 07:07

    "The United States will press Iran and not allow it to stall long enough to develop a nuclear program" NUCLEAR PROGRAM? They themselves say the have a nuclear program for decades !!!

  • 31. 0 0
    US wont let Iran Stall
    • Dakar
    • 03.10.09
    • 03:47

    Tick Tick Tick the clock continues to unwind toward Munich. The powers assembled. The Israel in the hall way not able to particpate. Finally the powers tell the Jews the best deal possible has been made. Iran will allow Israel to live, but with no weapons and with the right of return. Dont wait for the US and Europe to save you. Its 1935, Kristalnach has not yet occured but the day is coming.

  • 30. 0 0
    You might be correct Bloodyscot
    • Mark Lincoln
    • 03.10.09
    • 02:43

    Neither the US or Russia wants another war in the region.

  • 29. 0 0
    #16 Ballistic
    • Norman
    • 03.10.09
    • 01:55

    "How about if the US gives me your house and lot and says my ancestors lived there a mere 200 years ago? What would be your reaction, madam?" That happened in post communist countries and nobody complained (except the new owner)because the house was returned to its rightful owner's descendants. Now pack your bags,return the land to its owner and tell me how much natives were distressed by your reaction,madam. How about that. Tea or one way ticket?

  • 28. 0 0
    yeah Johnboy....so called settlements are so much
    • Lynn
    • 03.10.09
    • 01:30

    worse then a nuclear armed country with a cult leader in charge who wouldn't hesitate to help bring about the "return of the 12th Imam". Try thinking like a grown up.

  • 27. 0 0
    Yosemite Iran's motives are quite clear
    • Peter Williams
    • 03.10.09
    • 01:10

    -The 30 years of "Death to Israel" signs in the mosques. -The language used in describing Israel. -The continual threats from all levels of government. -The holocaust denial. -The provocative missile tests. -The supply of money, weaponry, training and support to Hamas and Hezbollah and other terrorist groups. -The illegal election to hang onto power. -The illegal nuclear weapons program. What more do you want?

  • 26. 0 0
    A curious reality is that
    • Mark Lincoln
    • 03.10.09
    • 00:25

    There is only ONE nation in the world who's nuclear weapons program could be destroyed by striking a single target. It is not Iran. Anyone want to guess what nation might have it's Plutonium production, Uranium enrichment, and Tritium plants all in one neat easy to hit spot? I know. But I am not telling. I am not even going to give you a hint.

  • 25. 0 0
    A backroom deal has aready been made
    • Bloodyscot
    • 02.10.09
    • 23:35

    A deal between the US and Russia has already been made with both Israel and Iran somewhat on board. The US stopping it missile defence program in E. Europe and Israeli leaders going to Russia and putting bombing attack on hold.The US backing off on demand for settlement freeze could be part of this Russia putting more open pressure on Iran and Iran agreeing to talks,IAEA inspections and Russia refining Iran's uranium. This is good for US, Russia and to lesser degree Iran and Israel. Iran willbe unable to make nukes for now but keeps its reactors and Israel has afew more years without Iran's nukes to worry about. Long term Iran maybe the winner in this deal but the Iran could change by then.

  • 24. 0 0
    We won't let Iran stall long enough to develop nuclear program
    • Albrecht Klein
    • 02.10.09
    • 23:04

    Of course. And the earth is a flat disc.

  • 23. 0 0
    #5 Say Cipora, not all of us have inherited
    • ballistic
    • 02.10.09
    • 22:56

    the Masada gene and its paranoia complex!!!! Quit warmongering from Germany!!!!! Tea?

  • 22. 0 0
    #15 Vivian, the one who has done the most harm
    • ballistic
    • 02.10.09
    • 22:55

    top Israel is Israel. Period. How about if the US gives me your house and lot and says my ancestors lived there a mere 200 years ago? What would be your reaction, madam? Uh, thought so. Some people.

  • 21. 0 0
    #15. Give Americans a break. Grow up
    • joshua
    • 02.10.09
    • 20:34

    Do not act like a fool. US has to protect its own interests similar to Israel. US does not owe you or other Israelis any thing. Act more grateful and show respect.

  • 20. 0 0
    Mark Lincoln - Just bomb out electric grid and
    • 17
    • 02.10.09
    • 20:32

    all kinds of transportation as well the entrances to the plants - (Aida by Verdi ?). Bomb repeatedly. There is no need to kill humans or occupy the territory.

  • 19. 0 0
    12/15 Vivian Lewis
    • Mark of Lewiston
    • 02.10.09
    • 20:21

    "in 2005 bush declared he won`t let iran make nuclear weapons.Its almost 2010 and they are almost there.the world looks at the u.s. as a cowardly nation that can`t be relied on." - VL A - They didn't build a bomb yet and Bush is out of office. He no longer has power to keep any political promise he made. "forcing israel to give back the sinai" - VL A - Israel decided they wanted peace with Egypt. Israel isn't a US child. It is a separate country, occupying another. Obama is offering to broker peace, not run a taxi company in Bethlehem. Bush was President during the 2nd Lebanon war and the Dec-Jan Sack of Gaza. In both of those cases Israel decided when it had had enough.

  • 18. 0 0
    friends like U.S you don't need enemies
    • vivian lewis
    • 02.10.09
    • 17:13

    the ones who did the most harm to israel is the united states.Carter forcing israel to give back the sinai.oslo=setting up a terror organization in the west bank with the us arming them and training them.causing the israel to lose their deterent by coercing israel to show restraint.Not letting israel to finish the job in gaza and lebanon.israel was 1 week away from hezbullah totally surrendering.Now they are rearmed in the south and control the lebanon through fear and intimidation.They wre also 1 week away from removing hamas from gaza.The u.s.made them quit 1 week before the miracle happened.Now obama is abandoning israel because he is too busy trying to fix the u.s. economy ect.Its not even safe to go to bethlehem anymore.i went there and a palestinian taxi driver dropped me off at johnnies suvenier shop.he said he would be back in 20 min.he didn't come back for 90 min.In front of the church of the nativeity I was surrounded by about 100 pals wanting me to buy trinkets from them.

  • 17. 0 0
    IF, a big if, it is iran's intent
    • Mark Lincoln
    • 02.10.09
    • 17:02

    If it is Iran's intent to develop nuclear weapons there is nothing that can stop them short of conquering and occupying Iran. Not one nation has failed on their first try. Israel can't occupy Iran, and America can't occupy Iran. Russia and China are not going to occupy Iran. NATO is getting tired of occupying Afghanistan. I guess we should round up a few hundred thousand cheering lunatic war hawks and swarm Iran. . . That is when war hawks turn into chickens.

  • 16. 0 0
    Michael - he could, but
    • Mark Lincoln
    • 02.10.09
    • 16:58

    "Obama can`t stop Israel`s land grab, how can he stop Iran?" - Michael As CiC of the most powerful nuclear forces in the world, he could expunge both Israel and Iran. The only thing which would stop either is nuclear annihilation. The cost of doing so would be too high. So all that he can do is try to convince them to act decently.

  • 15. 0 0
    spineless jelly fish
    • vivian lewis
    • 02.10.09
    • 16:12

    in 2005 bush declared he won't let iran make nuclear weapons.Its almost 2010 and they are almost there.the world looks at the u.s. as a cowardly nation that can't be relied on.

  • 14. 0 0
    So far, so good
    • r cummings
    • 02.10.09
    • 15:47

    Iran is co-operating. It will allow inspection of Qom. It will have to agree to inspection of all facilities, that is unavoidable. They will send some low-enriched uranium for others to enrich. They will have to send all of it eventually or agree to permanent observers in all facilities. Obama has given them two weeks for the Qom inspection and they would be foolish to try to string it out. That is a pretty good start. With luck, a sensible solution will prevail. All bad news so far for those who demonize Iran (e.g. Israel) and the hotheads who want to start raining missiles down on it. Bad news too for those (esp. Israel) who'd hoped it would take the spotlight away from Obama's insistence that peace talks get underway with the Palestinians within 2 weeks.. Not a great day for the Israeli government's creation-of-red-herrings strategy.

  • 13. 0 0
    Johnboy # 6 Thanks for the laugh
    • American in NY
    • 02.10.09
    • 15:28

    good point. however, i am sure the effort was wated on CJK

  • 12. 0 0
    What Bothers Me...
    • Yosemite
    • 02.10.09
    • 14:47

    It doesn't bother me that some people get ahead naturally based on the quality of some sort of work. Sometimes people just get ahead because they inherit something. That's okay as far as I am concerned because nature is dictating something that nobody has control over. But anyway, when we're talking about issues that involve life and death, and politics such as nukes, we always depend on experience. So we have the experience of the events that lead up to WWll. Because we know the background of the Nazis, we can see similarities in the "Death to America and Israel" slogans that are pumped out via the Iranian Leadership. It's in their speech and it's on banners. We don't have signs saying, "Death" to anybody on our Church or Synnagogue walls. So Iran wants to continue this making of nukes and this behavior. I don't like war. But it looks like Iran is asking for one. So we have to decide. Are Iran's activities for internal purposes or do they mean to kill us?

  • 11. 0 0
    You already have
    • steve from Raleigh
    • 02.10.09
    • 14:46

    What Obama is doing now is ensuring he's not blamed for the first terrorist nuke.

  • 10. 0 0
    iran have learned from israel
    • mike
    • 02.10.09
    • 14:07

    After all israel have managed to stall their own negotiations for over 60 years

  • 9. 0 0
    # 7's erroneous response
    • BUNG
    • 02.10.09
    • 11:57

    Michael has made a very humongous blooper. He erronesously says "Israel's land grab." Actually, Israel is only taking what is their's from the beginning. There is no such people as a Palestinian people. These are nomads that really belong in Jordan. Israel's land is actually going to go from the Red Sea to the Nile. Michael is not going to be very happy with that, is he.

  • 8. 0 0
    #6 Johnboy re Cipora
    • H
    • 02.10.09
    • 11:55

    You can pull settlements down but fallout is a whole different ballgame. Think of another analogy.

  • 7. 0 0
    Obama can't stop Israel's land grab, how can he stop Iran?
    • Michael
    • 02.10.09
    • 10:27

    Obama was humiliated by Netanyahu. Obama demanded a settlement freeze. Netanyahu said no. Obama said OK. The US president sadly seems to have no backbone. I would imagine, therefore, he's going to find it equally hard getting Iran to do what he wants.

  • 6. 0 0
    Cipora, just sub a few names, and ....
    • Johnboy
    • 02.10.09
    • 08:26

    Netanyahu has never refused to negotiate. Indeed, negotiations is part of Bibi`s strategy. However, the negotiations will only yield more settlement construction. Gosh! That was easy.....

  • 5. 0 0
    "promise for further negotiations"
    • Cipora Julianna Kohn
    • 02.10.09
    • 07:27

    iran has never refused to negotiate. indeed, negotiations is part of iran's strategy. however, the negotiations will only yield a nuclear iran.

  • 4. 0 0
    meanwhile the bomb is being loaded
    • jacques
    • 02.10.09
    • 07:02

    Who are you fooling first the missile protection is being dimentled by Obama Now he is having tea with Iran while they are developing their bomb Give them enough time and Israel shall be targetted. Act now demolish their facilities before it is too late and stop talking

  • 3. 0 0
    After knowing how-to, the iranians are going to
    • Kris Lazar
    • 02.10.09
    • 06:27

    subcontract the means in order to get better prices. By the way, aren't the nuclear materials being processed in a nuklear powerstation too?

  • 2. 0 0
    Reminds me of the PFJ call to action meeting
    • Peter Williams
    • 02.10.09
    • 06:24

    REG: Right. Now, uh, item four: attainment of world supremacy within the next five years. Uh, Francis, you've been doing some work on this. FRANCIS: Yeah. Thank you, Reg. Well, quite frankly, siblings, I think five years is optimistic, unless we can smash the Roman empire within the next twelve months. REG: Twelve months? FRANCIS: Yeah, twelve months. And, let's face it. As empires go, this is the big one, so we've got to get up off our arses and stop just talking about it! COMMANDOS: Hear! Hear! LORETTA: I agree. It's action that counts, not words, and we need action now. COMMANDOS: Hear! Hear! REG: You're right. We could sit around here all day talking, passing resolutions, making clever speeches. It's not going to shift one Roman soldier! FRANCIS: So, let's just stop gabbing on about it. It's completely pointless and it's getting us nowhere! COMMANDOS: Right! LORETTA: I agree. This is a complete waste of time. [Judith hurriedly enters.] JUDITH: They've arrested Brian! REG: What? COMMANDOS: What? JUDITH: They've dragged him off! They're going to crucify him! REG: Right! This calls for immediate discussion!

  • 1. 0 0
    Progress by december is a diplomatic impossibility
    • Kelly Brians
    • 02.10.09
    • 04:31

    No way the US is prepared to give what it takes to make Iran stop its nuclear program even 1 inch. Obama could not even manage a settlement freeze from Israel in 5 months. By december, there will be some more internal turmoil in Iran - and that will be another reason for Iran to postpone nuke issues while Obama "monitors" the situation - and Iranian bomb moves forward.