**The leaders of the US and Russia have warned Iran that time is running out for talks over its nuclear programme.**President Barack Obama said Iran had failed “so far at least” to respond positively to a deal to send enriched uranium abroad for reprocessing.
Russia and France have offered to do this. Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev said he was unhappy with the pace of talks, adding “other means” could be used.
The West suspects Iran wants to build weapons, but Tehran rejects this.
It says its programme is entirely peaceful.
Guarantees
Under the plan brokered by the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, and agreed by Russia, the US and France, most of Iran’s enriched uranium would be sent abroad to be turned into fuel rods for research use.
This is seen as a way for Iran to get the fuel it needs, while giving guarantees to the West that it will not be used for nuclear weapons.
Iran has raised “technical and economic considerations” with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and has missed deadlines to respond.
Russia’s leader has previously said that further sanctions against Iran are possible.