Iran "deceiving" on Baghdad nuclear talks, Israel's Lieberman says

Israel voiced scepticism Sunday on the chances of reaching a compromise on Iran's nuclear programme, despite cautious reports of positive signs ahead of this week's crucial talks in Baghdad, dpa reported.

"The Iranians are only deceiving in the talks," Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said in a statement.

Iran is to meet with China, Russia, France, Britain, Germany and the US in Baghdad on Wednesday.

"We dont see any Iranian will to give up their aspirations," he said, "I don't think there are any illusions."

"We will follow the talks and then give our position," he added.

The chief of the UN nuclear agency, Yukiya Amano, is to visit Iran on Monday to prepare the groundwork for Wednesday's meeting. Sources near the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna told dpa that Amano's trip on short notice was a positive development.

Iran has also called Amano's visit a "good sign."

Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Silvan Shalom added that Iran was unlikely to give up its disputed nuclear programme, because once it had nuclear abilities, this would be an "insurance policy" against foreign interference and regime change.

Iran could be continuing its tactic of "buying time," he said, and warned against a compromise with only "short-term" gain.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in Prague Friday, also warned against "empty Iranian promises."

He demanded that Iran freeze not only high-level, but all enrichment and remove all enriched material from the country. Tehran must also dismantle its facility in Qom, he added.

"When this goal is achieved, I will be the first to applaud. Until then, count me among the sceptics," he said.