The Iranian flag in front of the International Atomic Energy Agency organisation's headquarters in Vienna. Reuters
The Iranian flag in front of the International Atomic Energy Agency organisation's headquarters in Vienna. Reuters
The Iranian flag in front of the International Atomic Energy Agency organisation's headquarters in Vienna. Reuters
The Iranian flag in front of the International Atomic Energy Agency organisation's headquarters in Vienna. Reuters

US urges Iran to de-escalate nuclear programme


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Iran must take “de-escalatory” steps on its nuclear programme – including co-operating with the International Atomic Energy Agency – the US State Department has said.

The steps are vital if Iran wants to make space for diplomacy with the US, spokesman Matt Miller said on Tuesday.

The US and many of its western allies fear Iran's nuclear programme may be a cover for developing nuclear weapons, which Tehran denies.

It is the second time in recent days that the US has criticised Iran for barring IAEA inspectors assigned to the country, hindering the UN nuclear watchdog's oversight of Tehran's atomic activities.

“Iran must take de-escalatory steps if it wants to reduce tensions and create a space for diplomacy,” Mr Miller said.

“Just in the last few weeks, we've seen Iran take steps to undermine the International Atomic Energy Agency's ability to do its work.

“So if Iran really is serious about taking de-escalatory steps, the first thing it (could) do would be to co-operate with the IAEA.”

When asked if he was saying Iran must take all such steps sought by the US before Washington would agree to direct or indirect talks with Tehran, Mr Miller replied: “I am not saying that.”

The IAEA was responsible for verifying Tehran's compliance with the defunct 2015 Iran nuclear deal, under which it curbed its nuclear programme in return for the easing of US, EU and UN sanctions.

Attempts to revive that deal, abandoned by then-US president Donald Trump in 2018, collapsed about a year ago and Washington has been searching for a new way to get Tehran to restrain its activity.

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SERIES INFO

Schedule:
All matches at the Harare Sports Club
1st ODI, Wed Apr 10
2nd ODI, Fri Apr 12
3rd ODI, Sun Apr 14
4th ODI, Sun Apr 16

UAE squad
Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed

Zimbabwe squad
Peter Moor (captain), Solomon Mire, Brian Chari, Regis Chakabva, Sean Williams, Timycen Maruma, Sikandar Raza, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Craig Ervine, Brandon Mavuta, Ainsley Ndlovu, Tony Munyonga, Elton Chigumbura

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Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
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The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

'Nope'
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Pathaan
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MATCH INFO

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The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.

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The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

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Updated: September 27, 2023, 7:21 AM`