By Daisy Ayliffe - 17th January 2006
The EU3 has called for the IAEA to hold an emergency meeting on Iran.
Following a meeting in London on Monday, Britain, France and Germany said they will press the UN nuclear watchdog to discuss Tehran’s nuclear intentions next month.
"The EU3 informed the other participants of their intention to call for an extraordinary IAEA board of governors meeting on the 2nd and 3rd of February," a spokesperson told reporters.
An IAEA meeting is considered a possible first step towards sanctions.
The EU fears Iran wants to build nuclear weapons but Tehran denies the claim, saying it only wants civilian nuclear power.
A crisis was sparked last week when Iran broke international seals on three of its nuclear research facilities.
Senior European diplomats used Monday’s closed door talks to attempt to persuade counterparts from China and Russia of the benefits of referring Tehran to the UN Security Council.
It is thought Russia can be persuaded to back a tough stance despite its investment in Iran's nuclear industry. But China seems much more reluctant to threaten sanctions.
"All relevant sides should remain restrained and stick to resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through negotiations," a Chinese foreign ministry statement said on Monday.
Meanwhile Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted compromise is still possible.
He told reporters on Monday that Tehran has not rejected an offer for Iran's uranium enrichment to take place on Russian soil.
Following the London talks, the EU3 said there was agreement on the importance of Iran returning to the full suspension and negotiating process.
But no formal declaration on possible next steps was made.
"These discussions will continue with the aim of reaching agreement on the way forward.
The participants remain committed to a diplomatic solution," an EU statement declared.
More talking, diplomatic visits and bargaining will now take place the run-up to the IAEA meeting.
Iran continues to insist it will not be intimidated by international pressure and has warned sanctions could result in higher oil prices.
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