05 March 2009

Six Powers Seek Diplomatic Solution to Iran Nuclear Dispute

Statement underlines Obama administration effort to engage Tehran

An Iranian technician at work in a nuclear facility outside Isfahan

By David McKeeby
Staff Writer

Washington — Top diplomats pledged renewed unity in efforts to convince Iran to freeze its uranium enrichment program and other sensitive nuclear activities and join the United States for international talks.

On the sidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s 35-nation board of governors meeting in Vienna on March 4, representatives from the “P5+1” group — U.N. Security Council permanent members China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, together with Germany — voiced “serious concern” about Iran’s nuclear progress.

“We remain firmly committed to a comprehensive diplomatic solution, including through direct dialogue, and urge Iran to take this opportunity for engagement with us and thereby maximize opportunities for a negotiated way forward,” the P5+1 said in a statement.

The meeting follows a February 20 IAEA report that said Iran has a stockpile of approximately 1,010 kilograms (2,227 pounds) of low-enriched uranium — one-third more than previously disclosed. Nuclear experts say that with additional processing, the uranium can become highly enriched, which is adequate for developing a single nuclear bomb. (See “Report Says Iran Has Enough Uranium to Make a Nuclear Bomb.”)

In 2006, Iran suspended the U.N. nuclear monitoring agency’s authority to conduct unannounced inspections of its nuclear sites. Iran has also refused to address evidence of weapons-related elements of its uranium enrichment program, which Tehran claims is aimed at developing nuclear energy. A growing number of nations — including the United States — suspects the program is a covert drive to build nuclear weapons.

Since 2006, the P5+1 has pursued a “dual-track” approach of offering diplomatic incentives for Iran to suspend enrichment backed by three rounds of political and economic sanctions on government agencies, Iranian officials, banks and other institutions linked to its nuclear efforts.

The European Union expressed “grave concern” in a separate statement, underlining its “active dual-track policy,” which offers diplomatic and financial incentives for Iran’s nuclear cooperation, or new sanctions for continued defiance.

Since taking office, President Obama has called for a new way forward in U.S.-Iran relations. Diplomatic relations were officially suspended in the wake of the 1979 seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran by government-backed militants, and have been further chilled by Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its active support of terrorist organizations. (See “Analysis: Will Iran Accept America’s “Open Hand”?.”)

While the new administration has ordered a comprehensive review of Iran policy and is more willing to engage, it will continue seeking support for tougher sanctions unless Iran opens its facilities to U.N. inspectors, suspends nuclear enrichment and joins international talks, says Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.   

“Our goal remains the same: to dissuade and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and continuing to fund terrorism,” Clinton said March 3.

In Washington, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced new sanctions against 11 firms linked to Iran’s Bank Melli, which is suspected of supporting Tehran’s proliferation activities.

“We will continue to take steps to protect the integrity of the international financial system by exposing the banks, companies and individuals supporting Iran’s nuclear and missile programs,” said Treasury Under Secretary Stuart Levey.  

P5+1 members did not discuss new sanctions, but agreed to meet again once the new U.S. administration completes its Iran policy review in the coming weeks.

Many at the IAEA meeting welcomed America’s willingness to reach out to Iran, including China, which plans to step up its P5+1 involvement, according to news reports. 

“Iran’s pursuit of the nuclear weapon is deeply troubling to not only the U.S. but many people throughout the world,” Clinton said in a March 3 interview. “We’re at the beginning of this process of putting enormous pressure on Iran from all kinds of different angles in order to persuade them or prevent them from acquiring nuclear weapons.”

The text of the P5+1 statement is available on America.gov.

Find out how you can send a text message to Secretary Clinton.

What actions do you think President Obama should take to engage with Iran? Comment on America.gov’s blog.