Analysts pessimistic on Iranian nuke deal

LONDON, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- The likelihood that the international community and Iran will find a consensus agreement to a controversial nuclear issue is slim, analysts say.

Iran called for a series of changes to a Western-backed nuclear fuel exchange program that allow some enrichment but prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapons program. Iranian officials announced they were not willing to ship most of their uranium abroad temporarily, however.

Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, though Western powers accuse Iran of secretly working on technology that could be used for a nuclear weapon.

Frank Barnaby, a nuclear non-proliferation expert with the Oxford Research Group in London, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that the latest round of negotiations is unlikely to succeed.

"Both sides are probably pretty firm in their view, and therefore, the consequence will be that the low-enriched uranium will stay in Iran," he said.

Asked about the likelihood of finding a solution to the latest impasse, Barnaby said the prospects were daunting.

"I don't see how, in the end, the international community will get what it wants -- which is to stop Iran from enriching uranium -- and Iran will continue to refuse to stop it," he said.