Tehran Says EU Overreacting To Nuclear Move

Iran's Foreign Minister Mottaki (file photo) (AFP) 15 January 2006 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki has accused the European Union of overreacting to Tehran's resumption of nuclear research and urged it to return to negotiations.

Mottaki was speaking a day before a meeting of senior officials from the permanent members of the UN Security Council -- Great Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States -- plus Germany to discuss Iran's nuclear case.

Britain, France, Germany, and the United States want the case referred to the Security Council, where Iran could face possible sanctions.

Mottaki warned that Iran will curtail its cooperation with inspectors from the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, if it is sent to the council.

Meanwhile EU foreign-policy chief Javier Solana said today he hopped united international pressure would force Tehran back into negotiations.

(AP, Reuters)