Iran - nuclear

US urges Iran to follow up on enrichment deal

Article published on the 2010-02-04 Latest update 2010-02-04 10:49 TU

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad looks at the rocket during a ceremony in Tehran on 3 February
(Photo: Reuters)

The US urged Iran on Wednesday to follow up on a pledge made by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to send enriched uranium abroad. Meanwhile the White House called an Iranian rocket launch, which was carrying live animals, “a provocative act”.

Ahmadinejad suggested on Tuesday that a rejected deal brokered last year regarding the exchange of enriched uranium abroad, could be back on.

This prompted the US to urge Iran to indicate to the International Atomic Energy Agency whether they would accept the proposal.

However, an Iranian rocket launch on Wednesday increased worries.

White House spokesperson Bill Burton said, “a launch like that is obviously a provocative act.”

“But the President believes that it's not too late for Iran to do the right thing, come to the table with the international community, and live up to its international obligations,” he added.

Wednesday’s launch of the Kavoshgar 3 rocket, carrying live animals, was Iran’s first experiment with space technology, and there are some fears they are testing the technology to help the development of long-range ballistic missiles capable of carrying warheads.

The US said they hoped to consult with China and other members of the UN Security Council, although they were cautious about China’s willingness for new sanctions.