Iran To Let Foreign Inspection Of New Nuke Facility

October 1, 2009 7:26 p.m. EST

Geneva, Switzerland (AHN) - Iran, the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and Germany agreed Thursday to continue talks on Iran's controversial nuclear program and the opening of a new Iranian nuclear facility to international inspection.

The deal was reached in Geneva, Switzerland during landmark talks that involved high-level U.S. representatives. U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs William J. Burns represented Washington in the talks held at the isolated Villa Le Saugy, an 18th-century building outside Geneva.

In Washington, U.S. President Barack Obama described the negotiations as a "constructive beginning" but stressed it was too early to rule out economic sanctions against Tehran. If negotiations drag on, Obama said the U.S. can quickly move to imposing sanctions.

Saeed Jalili, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, described the negotiations as a good basis for future talks.

Also in the talks were European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana.