IRAN: Iran is expected to notify the United Nations within days that it is resuming sensitive nuclear work, almost certainly halting Tehran's crucial talks with the EU, a European diplomat said.
The collapse of the EU negotiations, led by Britain, France and Germany, would likely bring the controversy over Iran's nuclear programme to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions.
"The Iranians are expected to notify the International Atomic Energy Agency by the end of the week that they are resuming preparations to enrich uranium," the European diplomat said yesterday, referring to the Vienna-based IAEA, the UN nuclear watchdog.
"This will almost certainly kill off the EU talks," said the envoy, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The United States believes Iran's nuclear energy programme is a cover for atomic weapons development, and has been pressing for Iran's case to be sent to the 15-member UN council.
Iran says its programme is intended only to fuel power plants, not for arms.
A senior official said time was running out on progress in the EU talks. - (Reuters)