EU3 divided ahead of Iran N-talks

The trio warned Rohani this month that resuming any activities related to uranium enrichment—a process of purifying fuel for nuclear power plants or weapons—would prompt them to refer the case to the UN Security Council for possible economic sanctions.

European diplomats close to the talks said on condition of anonymity that French and British officials have already begun preparatory work on a proposal to refer Iran to the Council at the June meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency if Tehran restarts any enrichment-related work.

Germany, a major trade partner of Iran, supports the EU position that Tehran must terminate its enrichment program. But it does not like the idea of an automatic referral if the Iranians resume enrichment-related activities, all of which Iran suspended in November under a deal struck in Paris with the EU trio, or EU3.

‘‘Germany’s position is still cessation (of enrichment) but it’s hesitating on Security Council referral,’’ a diplomat from an EU3 country said. ‘‘Berlin doesn’t want any ultimatums or automatic referrals.’’

Sharing Washington’s suspicions that Iran’s nuclear program is a front to develop weapons, the EU trio has offered Iran economic and political incentives if it gives up its enrichment program permanently. But Iran refuses to abandon it and has expressed frustration at the slow pace of talks with the EU.

Despite Germany’s dislike of an ultimatum for Iran, EU diplomats familiar with the German position said the trio would present a unified front at the Geneva talks as they all attempt to pressure the Iranians to back down from threats to resume work at a uranium processing plant at Isfahan.

In order to prevent the talks from collapsing, EU diplomats said France, Britain and Germany could show flexibility over a proposal that Russia enrich uranium for Iran temporarily. —Reuters