Moscow talks begin between Iran, world powers

World powers and Iran met in Moscow on Monday for talks intended to narrow differences over Tehran’s nuclear program and avert the danger of a new war in the Middle East, diplomats said.

The six powers – the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany – hope to persuade Iran to curb production of high-grade uranium which the West suspects is a step towards making nuclear weapons.
Iran, which denies its nuclear program has military purposes, has refused to do so until the six powers publicly acknowledge that it has the right to carry out work.

Tehran also wants relief from intensifying economic sanctions, which faces new US and European Union sanctions in the next two weeks unless an agreement can be reached.

“Talks have started,” said a diplomat involved in the negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity. No other details were available

Western diplomats have said a breakthrough is unlikely at the Moscow meeting, the third such talks since diplomacy over the issue resumed after a 15-month hiatus in April.

Both sides have so far refused to move first, but both have welcomed efforts to boost confidence in the talks.