BICOM

Talks between the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany) and Iran to broker a long-term agreement over Tehran’s nuclear programme continue in Vienna. However, it emerged that Iran is suspected of continuing to develop ballistic missiles as negotiations ensued.

A report, seen by Reuters, from the United Nations (UN) Panel of Experts, which is tasked with monitoring Iran’s adherence to internationally agreed sanctions, revealed that “Iran is continuing development of its ballistic missile and space programmes.” In 2010, the UN passed a resolution banning Iran from developing missiles capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. The report says that Iran’s ballistic missile programme is “opaque and not subject to the same level of transparency that Iran’s nuclear activities are.” It accused Iran of seeking “metals as well as components for guidance systems and fuel.”

Iran’s missile development is a matter of disagreement between much of the P5+1 and Tehran. Reuters reports that the United States, in agreement with the UK, France and Germany want “every issue” to be resolved during the current talks, including Iran’s missile programme. However, the same report says that Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif merely laughed and ignored the suggestion when it was made by American delegates. In the Guardian online this morning, Julian Borger says that “possible military dimensions” to Tehran’s nuclear programme could prove to be a serious sticking point in talks, with Iran reluctant to admit to a weaponisation programme.

Few details have been released regarding this week’s Vienna negotiations. AFP quotes a spokesman for European Union foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton, who heads the P5+1 delegation, who said talks had been “intensive and useful.” A US State Department official simply commented that, “coordination and experts meetings will resume and continue throughout the day.” In addition to the disagreement over Iran’s ballistic missiles, points of contention between the two sides are also thought to include Iran’s uranium enrichment capacity and the Arak heavy water reactor.