The head of the UN nuclear agency is set to meet Teheran’s negotiator to avert new sanctions and tensions in the Middle East.

Vienna (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Ali Larijani, Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, left Teheran this morning for Vienna to meet Mohamed El Baradei, head of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency).

El Baradei must ascertain whether or not Iran will accept a UN Security Council resolution passed on 23 December that calls on Teheran to suspend uranium enrichment. So far Iran has steadfastly refused to comply.

Many members of the international community, the US included, fear that Teheran is moving towards production of nuclear arms through uranium enrichment. Iran defends its right to nuclear development, saying it is for energy purposes.

December’s resolution imposed some sanctions in a bid to rein in Iran’s uranium enrichment process. The IAEA has already blocked 22 out of 55 aid projects for Iran.

In an interview with the Financial Times, published today, El Baradei appeared skeptical about chances that Iran would declare it was ready to stop enriching uranium. But the IAEA chief hopes Iran will accept negotiations. El Baradei said it was important to dissuade Iran from pressing ahead with its plans. Otherwise the international community’s fears would intensify, leading to calls for more sanctions and drawing hostile responses from middle-eastern militancy and terrorism, creating yet more sorrow in that region.

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