So much for engagement: Iran refuses to stop nuclear enrichment

It is clear that Iran is not going to change its position regarding nuclear enrichment, and that there seems to be little or nothing that anyone can do to make them change their minds, at least while Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is president. This raises the urgency of considering the wisdom or non-wisdom of the repeated leaks about planned Israeli or American attacks on Iran. Those making the threats should understand that if they are repeated too often and not carried out, it will only contribute to an Iranian propaganda victory.

 

Ami Isseroff

 

Iran nuclear position 'unchanged'
Iran insists that is nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.

 

Iran has said its position on its nuclear programme remains unchanged.

 

The announcement comes a day after it delivered a formal response to an EU offer of incentives in exchange for halting uranium enrichment.

 

A government spokesman said the country was prepared to negotiate with major world powers, but would not give up its uranium enrichment programme.

 

The content of both the EU proposal and the Iranian response have not yet been made public.

 

"Iran will not go back on its rights on the nuclear issue," said spokesman Gholamhossein Elham, in the first official comments since Iran submitted its response to the EU.

 

"Iran insists on negotiations while respecting its rights and avoiding any loss of international rights," he said.

 

Incentives
Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, left, receives a package of incentives from EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana in Tehran on 14 June 2008
The EU deal offers assistance in developing nuclear power stations.

 

The incentives package from China, the EU, France, Russia, the UK and US was offered to Iran by EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana in June.

 

Mr Solana also asked Iran to accept a six-week freeze on further developments on its controversial programme, in return for a similar freeze on new UN sanctions.

 

Separately, the EU also imposed new sanctions on Iran in June.

 

The incentives package builds on a previous offer of 2006 and says that if Iran suspends uranium enrichment, then talks can start about a long-term agreement.

 

On offer is recognition of Iran's right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and the treatment of Iran in "the same manner" as other states under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

 

Iran would get help with developing nuclear power stations and be guaranteed fuel for them.

 

It would also be offered trade concessions, including the possible lifting of US sanctions preventing it from buying new civilian aircraft and parts.

 

Tehran has consistently denied Western claims that it is seeking to build a nuclear weapon, saying its programme is peaceful.

 

It has repeatedly rejected demands to halt enriching uranium, which can be used as fuel for power plants or material for weapons if refined to a greater degree.