Six-nation talks to discuss Iran

The launch of an Iranian-made satellite sparked fears in the West

Representatives of Britain, the US, Germany, France, China and Russia are to hold talks on Iran.

The meeting is part of regular discussions on how to persuade the country to halt its nuclear programme.

Tehran claims that the programme is for peaceful purposes, but Western powers fear that Iran is trying to develop atomic weapons.

The talks come a day after Tehran announced that it had launched its first domestically-made satellite.

Iran said the satellite, carried on a Safir-2 rocket, was meant for research and telecommunications.

But the US, UK and France voiced concerns that the technology used could lead to ballistic missile development.

Wednesday's talks are to take place in the German town of Wiesbaden.

Direct talks?

The UN has imposed sanctions on Iran because of Western suspicions that it is trying to build a nuclear bomb.

Until now neither the threat of tougher sanctions nor the offer of economic incentives has persuaded Iran to suspend uranium enrichment.

But with a new president in the White House there are signs of a fresh approach that is likely to be discussed in Germany, the BBC's Steve Rosenberg reports from Berlin.

President Barack Obama has indicated he may support direct US talks with Iran over its nuclear programme - possibly without pre-conditions.

There is also talk of a low-level US diplomatic presence being established in Tehran.

However, Washington has already made it clear that the Iranians will also need to show flexibility.

Ahead of the talks, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Iran had an opportunity "to step up and become a productive member of the international community".

Citing words from President Obama's inauguration speech, she said the international community was "reaching out a hand to Tehran" but that Iran had to "unclench its fist".