Wednesday, May 31 2006 10:18 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Vienna: Iran offered yesterday (May 30, 2006) to restart nuclear talks with the European Union but the EU and Washington were still pressing for sanctions if Tehran refuses to halt atomic work that could be weapons-related.

China's foreign ministry confirmed that six world powers were to meet in Vienna Thursday to bridge differences over offering Iran trade and other benefits in return for guarantees it will not make nuclear weapons, while still preparing for sanctions if Tehran does not comply.

At stake is whether Iran will stop making enriched uranium, which can be used for nuclear power reactor fuel or atom bomb material, as the six powers Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States all demand.

If Iran fails to suspend the sensitive work, the United States and Europe want Russian and Chinese backing for a UN Security Council resolution that could lead to sanctions against Tehran.

"Iranian allies and trading partners Russia and China are reluctant to move quickly to such a resolution as they fear an escalation of the crisis, " diplomats said.

Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said yesterday (May 30, 2006) in Malaysia that Iran was ready to respond positively in resuming negotiations (with the EU) on Iran's nuclear enrichment programme without any preconditions.

The United States greeted the news by saying, "We are glad they are going back to the EU-3 (Britain, Germany and France) talks and we hope that they produce productive results," White House spokesman Tony Snow told reporters.