Talks between world powers and Iran on its nuclear program have stalled over Iran’s reluctance to advance without sanctions concessions.
The talks last week in Baghdad among Iran and Russia, the United States, China, Britain France and Germany ended inconclusively, multiple media reports said, because Iran wanted a hold on major European oil sanctions set to kick in July 1 in exchange for staying at the table.
Western powers have emphasized that sanctions would remain in place until Iran made its program more transparent and suspended some enrichment of uranium — a key demand of Israel, which has expressed concern that Iran is buying time with the talks.
It was not clear when talks would resume; they could be delayed until next month, according to various media.
Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Western experts say evidence increasingly suggests that Iran is close to the capability to build a nuclear weapon.
Meanwhile, international nuclear inspectors found evidence of Iran’s highest level yet of enriched uranium — up to 27 percent.
A 90 percent enrichment level is needed for a nuclear weapon. — jta