Obama: Talks With Iran ‘Constructive Beginning,’ Hard Work Ahead

President Barack Obama
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President Obama spoke to reporters this afternoon after U.S. diplomats held talks today with Iran about the country’s nuclear program. He called the meeting a “constructive beginning” but warning that “constructive action” must follow.

He outlined three steps Iran must take: One, it must allow the International Atomic Energy Agency full access to its nuclear facility in Qom within two weeks. Two, Iran must show the program is peaceful by transferring its low enriched uranium to another country for fuel production. Three, Iran must move quickly: “We are not interested in talking for the sake of talking,” Obama said.

Negotiators from the United States and Iran met with those from the P5+1 nations: Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany today in Geneva, Switzerland.

“The United States will not negotiate indefinitely,” he said, saying America is prepared to move toward “increased pressure” on Iran if it does not follow these steps.

He did not use the word “sanction.”

If Iran does follow the rules, he said, it would be on a “path to a better relationship with the United States” and a “better future for all Iranians.”

Obama said that Iran, like all countries, has the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

“But with that right comes responsibilities,” he said. “This is not about singling out Iran, this is not about double standards.”

Iran’s nuclear program has gained renewed attention after it admitted to a second secret nuclear facility in Qom.

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