The UN’s nuclear watchdog Mohamed ElBaradei has expressed optimism as he begins make-or-break talks in Tehran on Iran’s nuclear programme.
The International Atomic Energy Agency chief’s visit follows Iran’s Monday announcement that it has enriched uranium.
“The time is right for a political solution and the way is negotiations,” he said arriving in Iran.
Tehran has defied international calls to halt uranium enrichment amid concerns that Iran has ambitions to create nuclear weapons.
“I would like to see Iran come to terms with the requests of the international community,” said ElBaradei.
ElBaradei stressed he was aiming to “bring Iran in line with the requests of the international community to take confidence-building measures regarding its activities including suspension of enrichment and related activities until outstanding issues are clarified”.
Russia and China have, unusually, joined the EU and US in condemning Iran’s nuclear activities – the UN security council has given Tehran until April 28 to halt its programme.
Some diplomats believe Iran’s nuclear announcement earlier this week paves the way for a partial climb down with Tehran shifting uranium production to Russia.
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