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UN Arrives in Iran for Tense Talks

Nuclear inspectors hope to meet scientists, visit military complex

By the Associated Press

Posted Feb 20, 2012 7:53 AM CST

(AP) – UN nuclear inspectors starting a two-day visit to Tehran today sought to meet Iranian nuclear scientists and visit a key military facility as they try to gauge allegations that Iran is pushing toward making an atomic weapon. The trip is the second in less than a month by the International Atomic Energy Agency team, reflecting growing concerns over alleged weapons experiments—something Iran has so far both denied and refused to discuss.

A senior UN nuclear official said yesterday he hoped for progress in the talks, but his careful choice of words suggested little expectation the meeting will be successful. Iran's state radio said the inspectors hope to visit the Parchin military complex outside of Tehran, which has been suspected of housing a secret underground facility used for Iran's nuclear program, a claim denied by Iranian authorities. The tone of the commentary suggested the Parchin visit would likely be denied. The IAEA visit comes as Iran last week announced what it called "key" advancements in its nuclear program.

Herman Nackaerts, of the International Atomic Energy Agency, speaks to reporters at the airport in Vienna, Sunday, Feb. 19 2012.
Herman Nackaerts, of the International Atomic Energy Agency, speaks to reporters at the airport in Vienna, Sunday, Feb. 19 2012.   ((AP Photo / APTN) TV OUT)
In this frame made from TV Herman Nackaerts, left, of the International Atomic Energy Agency, speaks to his team at the airport in Vienna, Sunday, Feb. 19 2012. A senior U.N. nuclear official said Sunday he hoped for progress in upcoming talks with Iran about suspected secret work on...
In this frame made from TV Herman Nackaerts, left, of the International Atomic Energy Agency, speaks to his team at the airport in Vienna, Sunday, Feb. 19 2012. A senior U.N. nuclear official said Sunday...   ((AP Photo / APTN) TV OUT)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 11 comments
meanbill
Feb 20, 2012 10:23 AM CST
Everybody knows that countries who possess a nuclear bomb, possess it for defensive reasons only, and only an aggressor country (in the name of peace) would use one, that's why we have non-aggressive pacts, which I believe Iran would sign if given a chance. -- REALLY?
jgarbuz
Feb 20, 2012 9:26 AM CST
Israel and the Jews are NOT going to be the "Sudetenland"  given to the Islamofascists to see if they can be appeased with dead Jews. No, that is NOT going to happen. Yes, Jews INVENTED the atomic to help America win WWII, and Israel has MORE right to have them than even the United States! Iran signed the NPT, and under the treaty has NONE, ZERO, NADA right to build a nuclear weapon, period! If Iran and North Korea are allowed to be appeased and get away with it, no reason that Cuba or Venezuel, or Mexico or anybody else should have them as well. Israel, Pakistan (a Muslim country), and India chose not to sign the treaty for reasons of their own, which is why the IAEA has no right to bother Israel, Pakistan or INdia about them as long as they are not proliferating. That's the LAW! And Iran will be stopped, or just as when Hitler was not stopped, the war that everyone thinks they will avoid through appeasement will come, but in a far worse way. There is no peace through appeasement, and Jews in particular will never allow themselves to be sacrificed yet again to assuage the "Peace at any price" crowd. Never Again!
Outrageous
Feb 20, 2012 9:19 AM CST
Careful UN inspectors, watch what you say, or you may not get to leave.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

 
Iran • United Nations • Tehran • International Atomic Energy Agency • Iranian nuclear program

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