Russia and the Iranian nuclear file

[Russia Profile Discussion Group Moderator]

Moscow today hosts crucial talks with Iran aimed at heading off an all-out crisis over the Islamic state's nuclear program. On the table is Russia's offer to enrich uranium for Iran in Russia for use in Iran's Russian-built reactors. Iran has been urged to accept the Russian offer by other sides in the ongoing spat - including the EU and the United States - but still seems set on developing its own enrichment capabilities. Meanwhile, the Russian initiative seems to fit into two current trends of Putin administration policy: the use of energy as a major tool of influence, and the regeneration of the country's nuclear complex. But could it all backfire? Does Iran have a right to a nuclear program? And what does Russia stand to gain?

http://en.rian.ru/world/20060220/43643127.html

http://en.rian.ru/world/20060220/43646903.html

http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2006/02/238b4c39-c52b-452b-a894-824dddfba3a1.html

[Peter Morley (Russia Profile Discussion Group)]

Russia and Iran have agreed a joint uranium processing venture. Will this solve the ongoing tensions? And how does this deal affect Russia's national interests?

http://en.rian.ru/world/20060226/43785707.html

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article347997.ece