Tehran (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Iran takes its time and postpones until next week the contentious decision on its nuclear issue. Mohammed ElBaradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is hoping for a "positive" response from Tehran. Previously the United States, Russia and France gave their go ahead to the agreement, which would supply the ayatollahs regime with enriched uranium for peaceful purposes.
It was a hectic day yesterday in Vienna, Austria, at headquarters of the IAEA. On the table the proposal - drawn up after a three-day meeting – under which Iran would sell most of its stock - about 75% - of low enriched uranium (up to 5%) to third-party countries, including Russia and France, who would then sell it back again to Tehran enriched to 20%, exclusively for civilian use in a reactor for medical research supervised by the IAEA.
At first, Iranian state television announced that Tehran "is unwilling" to accept a fundamental part of the agreement concerning the delivery abroad of nuclear material. A possible failure in negotiation was also indicated by Bernard Kouchner, French Minister of Foreign Affairs, on a diplomatic visit to Lebanon: "From the information I have received from Vienna - said the minister - the situation is not good." Later, Iran informed the UN nuclear monitors that it is "favourable" towards the proposed plan, but needs "more time" to give a definitive answer.
"Iran has informed the Director-General - said a statement released yesterday by the IAEA – that it is examining the proposal thoroughly and with a view favourable, but requires time, until the middle of next week, to provide a response”. ElBaradei hopes that Tehran's response will be "just as positive, since the approval of the agreement would mark a new era of cooperation."
Washington is also pressing for approval, hoping that "next week [the Iranian authorities] will give a positive response." "Obviously, we would have preferred a response today (yesterday ed)- explains Ian Kelly, spokesman for the U.S. State Department - We approach this with a sense of urgency".
Analysts speculate on the reasons for Tehran’s procrastination: on the one hand there is the idea that Iran only wants to postpone decisions and responses, to continue its nuclear program in secret.On the other, the possibility that there really are different views within the Iranian government and more time is needed for a final answer.