Iran wants new nuclear fuel talks, deepening doubts

Western powers have urged Iran to accept a draft deal in which it would send most of its low-enriched uranium (LEU) abroad by the end of the year for further enrichment to turn it into fuel for a medical reactor in Tehran.

But Iranian Ambassador Ali Asghar Soltanieh told Reuters on Monday that more talks were needed "in order to ensure that our technical concerns, and especially the issue of the guarantee of the fuel supply, are taken into consideration."

Iran's requests will add to doubts that a way out of a standoff with big powers will be found soon.

Tehran appears to be stalling after appearing ready to make concessions to the international community, which is threatening to impose new sanctions over fears that Iran is pursuing an atomic weapons programme.

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency urged Iran to accept the deal with the United States, France and Russia so Tehran can help build confidence in its atomic work.

"The issue at stake remains that of mutual guarantees amongst the parties," IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei told the U.N. General Assembly in New York.

"I should add, however, that trust and confidence-building are an incremental process that requires focussing on the big picture and a willingness to take risks for peace."

Iran says its enrichment programme is purely peaceful and officials have voiced misgivings about parting with the bulk of Iran's LEU, seen as a strategic asset and key bargaining chip.

"We are ready for the next round of technical discussions in Vienna at the IAEA headquarters," Soltanieh said by telephone, adding that the IAEA should now arrange a date.