IAEA sets date for new nuclear talks in Tehran

The UN atomic watchdog IAEA said Wednesday it would hold new nuclear talks in Tehran this month after a delegation concluded a three-day visit to Iran over the weekend.The International Atomic Energy Agency said in a statement that another meeting will take place in Tehran from February 21 to 22.A six-strong IAEA team returned to Vienna on Wednesday after a visit aimed at clearing outstanding substantive issues on Tehrans nuclear programme following a damning report from the agency in November.There is still a lot of work to be done, and so we have planned another trip in the very near future, chief UN nuclear inspector Herman Nackaerts told reporters on his arrival.The IAEA said that during the visit the delegation explained its concerns and identified its priorities, which focus on the clarification of possible military dimensions to Irans nuclear programme.The IAEA also discussed with Iran the topics and initial steps to be taken, as well as associated modalities, it added.The agency is committed to intensifying dialogue. It remains essential to make progress on substantive issues, IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano said.Western nations suspect Iran of seeking an atomimc bomb, but Tehran insists its nuclear programme is entirely for peaceful purposes.