Israel: Don't be fooled by Iran

VIENNA, May 22 (UPI) -- The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency expressed optimism about reaching a deal with Tehran, though Israeli officials expressed reservations.

Delegates from the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council -- the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China -- along with Germany, are schedule to meet with Iranian officials Wednesday in Baghdad to discuss concerns about Iran's nuclear program.

Tehran is suspected of pursuing the technology needed to manufacture a nuclear weapon, an allegation the Iranian government denies.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Yukiya Amano was quoted by The Washington Post as saying a nuclear transparency deal was expected to "be signed quite soon."

Iranian and international officials have expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching a deal since the last round of talks earlier this year in Istanbul.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, however, was quoted by The Jerusalem Post as saying it was likely a ruse by the Iranians.

"The Iranians appear to be trying to reach a technical deal that will create an appearance as if there is progress in the talks to remove some of the pressure ahead of the talks in Baghdad and to postpone an escalation in sanctions," he said.