Iran Faces Tougher U.S. Sanctions, But Positive Mood At Talks

Just as the U.S. Senate approved new sanctions against Iran, U.N. nuclear chief Yukiya Amano came out of talks with Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator and said expected to sign a deal with Iran to halt its quest for nuclear weapons. Amano’s comments indicated progress for securing more inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency and come ahead of the P5+1 talks that open in Baghdad on Wednesday. A failure in the world powers’ bid to press Iran’s government to halt its uranium enrichment program and allow unfettered access to international inspectors could strengthen calls for military action. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu clarified emphatically on Monday that Israel’s position on Iran had not changed as had been reported. He said Israel would only be satisfied if Iran halted all uranium enrichment and shipped its stockpiles out of the country.