Iranian foreign minister to visit Indonesia to discuss nuclear program

Iran's foreign minister will discuss a diplomatic standoff over its nuclear program with Indonesian leaders during a visit to the sprawling archipelago Thursday, an official said.

Photo: Iranian foreign minister to visit Indonesia to discuss nuclear program

Manouchehr Mottaki will brief Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda "on the nuclear negotiation progress," Indonesian foreign ministry spokesman Desra Percaya said.

The U.N nuclear watchdog is to hold a March 6 meeting about Iran's nuclear ambitions, a process that could lead to punishment by the U.N. Security Council, which has the power to impose sanctions.

The United States and Europe suspect Iran is secretly developing bombs, but Iran insists the program is for energy.

Iranian and Russian officials held talks this week to try to find a way to end the standoff, but no visible progress was made.

The discussions centered on a proposal that called for uranium for Iran's nuclear energy program to be enriched in Russia, a move that could prevent it from being diverted for atomic weapons, reports the AP.

I.L.