Tense and difficult start for Iranian atomic talks Talks on Iran's disputed nuclear programme have got off to a tense and difficult start, according to Michael Mann, the spokesman for EU foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton. His comments echoed those of the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov who said the main stumbling block was tough to reconcile. It has cast even further doubt on faint hopes of breakthrough. The discussions in Moscow are the latest bid to end a decade-long standoff over Tehran's atomic intentions. Alexander Shaskov, our correspondent in the city says if this attempt fails, the United States is likely to walk away from the table. The summit in Moscow, according to some diplomatic sources, may become a turning point. If the negotiations fail, Washington intends to quit talks over Iran's nuclear programme. Then new tough sanctions will be inevitable and a military operation highly probable," he said. More about: Catherine Ashton, Diplomatic mission, Iran, Nuclear Energy, Russia, Summit