EU brings "cautious optimism" to Iran nuclear talks in Geneva Talks have begun in Geneva between Iran and Western powers on Tehran's long-disputed nuclear programme. Michael Mann, spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said: "We have come here with a sense of cautious optimism and a great sense of determination because we believe it is really time now for tangible results." The West has long suspected Iran of working to develop a nuclear weapon - a claim the country denies. The row led to sanctions that are hurting the Iranian economy. Michael Mann made it clear that Iran must move first, before the West would agree to any concessions, saying: "We have a proposal on the table, specifically on confidence-building measures, but the confidence-building measure has to come from the Iranian side." Picture credits: European External Action Service - EEAS More about: Catherine Ashton, EU Foreign Affairs Chief, Geneva, Iran, Nuclear weapons