U.S. and Europe ask Iran for compromise on its nuclear program

An address delivered by Francois-Xavier Deniau, France's chief delegate to the 35-nation board meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency, criticized Iran for a lack of cooperation with the agency's probe of suspicious plutonium experiments and other activities that could be linked to a weapons program, the AP reports.

Photo: U.S. and Europe ask Iran for compromise on its nuclear program

Separately, U.S. chief delegate Gregory L. Schulte said "Iran continues to withhold cooperation with the IAEA on almost every outstanding issue." He urged Tehran to accept a six-power offer for talks on its disputed nuclear program, warning refusal could bring to bear "the weight of the Security Council."

Iran was said to be preparing a relatively low-key response, urging the West to avoid "poisoning the climate" while Tehran deliberates on its response to the six-power package, said an Iranian journalist who had seen the statement ahead of delivery.