France - US - Iran - nuclear politics

Paris talks to seek tough response on Tehran's plans

Article published on the 2010-02-08 Latest update 2010-02-08 14:59 TU

President Ahmadinejad at Natanz enrichment plant
(Photo: Reuters)

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates is meeting with French officials to discuss stronger sanctions against Iran. Tehran on Monday told the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, of its plans to produce 20 per cent enriched uranium to fuel its reactor. Iran's nuclear chief said on Sunday that Tehran would begin the process at the Natanz plant from Tuesday.

"Iran's official letter about commencing the 20 per cent enrichment activity in order to provide fuel for the Tehran reactor has been handed over to the IAEA," Ali Asghar Soltanieh told the state-owned channel by telephone from Vienna.

France's President Nicolas Sarkozy was to meet the US Secretary of Defence in Paris on Monday as western nations search for a tougher response to Iran's plans.

Of the Group of Six nations set up to deal with Iran's nuclear programme (China, France, Germany, Russia, UK and the US) France and the US have been pressing for tougher sanctions. Western allies fear Tehran's civilian nuclear programme hides plans to build a bomb.

"The international community has offered the Iranian government multiple opportunities to provide reassurance  of its intentions. The results have been very disappointing," said Secretary of Defence Gates in Rome, before leaving for talks in Paris.

"The United States and France will push for new UN sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme", French Defence Minister Hervé Morin and US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said as they appeared together Monday. 

Officials with Gates said earlier that they would ask France to submit a resolution on sanctions at the United Nations Security Council. France holds the rotating chair on the United Nations Security Council this month.

"We spoke about Iran. Our positions are in complete agreement," said Morin.

Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner meanwhile said that Iran does not have the capacity to enrich uranium to 20 per cent and accused Tehran of "blackmail."  He said the Iranians "do not know how to make fuel" for their existing medical reactor.