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Iran Requests Last Minute Talks

Iranian officials have requested to talk with Europeans in Brussels on Monday in a last minute attempt to prevent being referred to the United Nations Security Council.

Iran’s senior nuclear negotiator, Javad Vaeidi, will meet with officials from the United Kingdom, Germany and France, also known as the EU3 – the European representatives trying to resolve the standoff with Iran.

Iran is under scrutiny over its controversial nuclear program, which the West is concerned could be geared to manufacturing nuclear weapons.

Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

In separate talks in London, foreign ministers of the EU3 will discuss Iran’s nuclear program with officials from the United States, Russia and China. These talks will not involve Iranian representatives.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is expected to hold an urgent meeting on Thursday and could decide to refer Iran to the Security Council.

While the U.S. has pushed for a referral, the EU3 has been trying to resolve the impasse through diplomatic channels but lately talks reached a deadlock and the possibility of a referral has become more likely.

If referred to the council, most international observers believe Russia and China are likely to veto a decision of sanctions since these countries have close trade and energy ties with Iran.

Moscow and Beijing are requesting Iran be given more time.