This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/7544768.stm

The article has changed 11 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Iran nuclear response talks due US urges 'punitive' steps on Iran
(20 minutes later)
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany are due to hold telephone talks on the next step to take on Iran's nuclear programme. The US and its allies will have to push for "punitive" measures on Iran after it failed to respond positively to an incentives offer, the White House says.
Iran contacted the EU's foreign policy chief on Tuesday, but did not give a full answer to an incentives offer in return for halting uranium enrichment. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany are due to hold telephone talks about Iran's nuclear programme.
In a letter, Iran said it was ready to give a clear response but in return wanted a clear answer to its questions. Iran sent a letter on Tuesday saying it was ready to give a "clear response" to the offer if it got the same in return.
The US said the letter was unacceptable and further measures were unavoidable. White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said the Iranians had been stalling.
On Tuesday, the US said Tehran's letter, delivered to the EU's foreign policy chief, was unacceptable and that further measures would be unavoidable.
The telephone conference between the six nations - China, France, Russia, the UK and US, along with Germany - was due to take place at 1115 GMT on Wednesday.The telephone conference between the six nations - China, France, Russia, the UK and US, along with Germany - was due to take place at 1115 GMT on Wednesday.
On Monday, the US and UK said Iran faced further sanctions if it did not respond positively to the proposals. The move follows "inconclusive" talks between the EU and Tehran over Iran's nuclear enrichment programme.
The move follows "inconclusive" talks between the EU and Tehran. The Iranian government insists its nuclear programme is for entirely peaceful purposes, while the US and its allies believe it could be used to develop nuclear weapons.
Freeze demandedFreeze demanded
The group of six world powers tabled the latest proposal to Iran in June in an effort to persuade it to suspend uranium enrichment as an initial step in starting talks on a longer-term deal.The group of six world powers tabled the latest proposal to Iran in June in an effort to persuade it to suspend uranium enrichment as an initial step in starting talks on a longer-term deal.
'FREEZE-FOR-FREEZE' OFFER Iran suspends its nuclear activities including the installation of any new centrifugesAt same time the six world powers refrain from any new Security Council resolution on sanctionsTalks can then start on long-term deal on recognising Iran's right to develop nuclear energy for civilian purposes, and lifting of sanctions Q&A: Iran and the nuclear issueNuclear power in Middle East 'FREEZE-FOR-FREEZE' OFFER Iran suspends its nuclear activities including the installation of any new centrifugesAt same time the six world powers refrain from any new Security Council resolution on sanctionsTalks can then start on long-term deal on recognising Iran's right to develop nuclear energy for civilian purposes, and lifting of sanctions Q&A: Iran and the nuclear issueNuclear power in Middle East
EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana had given Iran's chief nuclear negotiator until last Saturday to respond to an offer not to impose further economic sanctions in return for Iran freezing its uranium enrichment programme. EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana had given Iran's chief nuclear negotiator until last Saturday to respond to an offer of no further economic sanctions in return for an Iranian freeze on uranium enrichment.
The Iranian government insists its nuclear programme is for entirely peaceful purposes, while the US and its allies believe it could be used to develop nuclear weapons. The US has rejected Iran's letter as unacceptable because it gave no concrete response.
In its letter to the six nations, obtained by the AFP news agency, Iran said it had considered the proposals "with good will" and a constructive approach to continued negotiations. Speaking to reporters from a plane carrying US President George W Bush on an Asian tour, Ms Perino said it was now up to the group of six nations to decide their next step.
"Now the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to provide a 'clear response' to your proposal at the earliest opportunity while simultaneously expecting to receive your 'clear response' to our questions and ambiguities as well," the letter continues. "In the absence of a positive response... We think that the allies will have no choice but to take further measures that would be punitive," she said.
US media reports have said that the US intends to push for new sanctions against Iran at the UN Security Council.
'Mutual clarification'
In its letter to the six nations, obtained by the AFP news agency, Iran said it had considered the proposals "with good will".
Iran was ready to provide a "clear response", the letter said, but would require a similarly 'clear response' to its own questions and ambiguities.
"Undoubtedly such mutual clarification can pave the way for a speedy and transparent negotiating process with a bright prospect and provide grounds for co-operation."Undoubtedly such mutual clarification can pave the way for a speedy and transparent negotiating process with a bright prospect and provide grounds for co-operation.
"The second phase in negotiations can commence as early as possible if there is such willingness on your side.""The second phase in negotiations can commence as early as possible if there is such willingness on your side."
The New York Times, quoting US and European diplomats, said the US administration considered the letter "unacceptable" and would seek new sanctions against Iran at the UN Security Council. BBC diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus says the Iranians have clearly made a judgement that despite all the talk of potential air strikes against its nuclear facilities, the US presidential campaign, Israel's political uncertainty and high oil prices mean that a crisis is not imminent.
BBC diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus says that Iran's response matters because it will determine how far Russia and China are willing to support additional UN Security Council sanctions.
He says the Iranians have clearly made a judgement that despite all the talk of potential air strikes against its nuclear facilities, the US presidential campaign, Israel's political uncertainty and high oil prices mean that a crisis is not imminent.