IRAN:IRAN WILL continue its nuclear "path", the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, insisted yesterday, just days before a deadline set by world powers for Tehran to accept a deal that could defuse the dispute over its nuclear programme.
Khamenei, who has the final word on all big issues in Iran, suggested there was no mood for compromise in Tehran, despite the threat of new sanctions or an attack by the US or Israel. EU officials announced new restrictions that would be implemented if Iran did not back down.
"They [the West] know that the Iranian nation is using nuclear energy to provide electricity but they say because this work gives you capability, we will not allow it. Taking one step back against arrogant [powers] will lead to them to take one step forward," he argued. "The idea that any retreat or backing down from righteous positions would change the policies of arrogant world powers is completely wrong and baseless." The remarks seemed to preclude halting uranium enrichment, the key demand being made of Iran. Iran flatly denies it is seeking to build nuclear weapons.
Arrangements are being made for a telephone conversation next week between Javier Solana, the EU's foreign policy chief, and Saeed Jalili, Iran's nuclear negotiator, in the hope of obtaining a definitive answer. Analysts say Iran appears to be emboldened by divisions within the international community, signs that the US is not willing to use military action and has urged Israel to refrain from doing so.
- (Guardian service)