Diplomacy paves way for talks with Iran on its nuclear programme

Intense diplomacy is under way to prepare for new negotiations between Iran and world powers on Tehran’s nuclear programme.

It follows weeks of rising tension that fanned fears of war in the Gulf and rattled oil markets. But mistrust runs deep. Iran has called on the US to commit to talks without preconditions, while Washington and the European Union said they were still waiting for Iran to show it was ready for serious negotiations.

Maintaining pressure on Tehran, EU foreign ministers were due last night to agree an oil embargo against Iran and a freeze on the assets of its central bank, France’s foreign minister, Alain Juppé said.

Even so, both Iran and the West in recent days have toned down their rhetoric and moved to ease tensions that could improve the atmosphere for any new talks. These are likely to be hosted by Turkey, which is playing a key mediating role.

Israel and the US on Sunday postponed joint military exercises in the Middle East until later this year. And the US has apparently persuaded Israel to back off from its threats of military action against Iran’s nuclear programme.

Iran, meanwhile, is due to host a rare visit by senior officials from the UN’s atomic watchdog at the end of this month and has said it is open to discuss “any issues”.