24 August 2006
The Bush administration believes that a proposal by Iran for nuclear negotiations falls short of United Nations demands that it cease uranium enrichment, and the US began plotting unspecified "next moves" with other governments, according to reports by news agencies. At the same time, Iran contended it had offered "positive and clear signals" to resolve the dispute over its nuclear program. Efforts by the United States and other nations could lead to UN sanctions against Iran unless it reverses course and agrees to a verifiable halt to enrichment activities that can be central to making nuclear weapons. France took a firm and quick stand on Iran's proposal. Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said the Iranians must suspend uranium enrichment if they want to return to negotiations. However, Russia's foreign ministry said it would continue to seek a negotiated solution. And China appealed for dialogue, urging "constructive measures" by Iran and patience from the United States and its allies. The US State Department acknowledged that Iran considered its proposal to be a serious one. "We will review it", a statement said. But it went on to say that Iran's response to a joint offer of US and European trade and other benefits if the enrichment program was halted "falls short of the conditions set by the Security Council" – full and verifiable suspension of all uranium-enrichment activity. "We are consulting closely, including with other members of the Security Council, on next steps," the statement said. The United Nations has set a deadline of next Thursday for a formal reply by Tehran.
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