UN nuclear chief seeks compromise on Iran

Diplomats said ElBaradei could play a role in secret diplomacy as he met in Vienna only last week with chief Iranian nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani, but they were pessimistic about a breakthrough.

ElBaradei left Monday from the Vienna headquarters of his International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for Washington where he is expected to meet US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Tuesday or Wednesday.

The visit comes at a time of deadlock in the standoff over Iran's nuclear power programme, which the United States claims hides the secret development of atomic weapons.

Iran insists its uranium enrichment is not up for negotiation, rejecting European Union efforts to secure a halt to this sensitive nuclear work that makes fuel for civilian reactors but also atom bomb material.

One Western diplomat said: "ElBaradei may indeed have a message from Larijani but the Americans doubt that it will say anything useful."

A European diplomat said: "What is interesting in not what ElBaradei's views are. What is more interesting is what he may be carrying with him from Larijani."

A third diplomat, who like the others did not want to be identified, said: "The Iranians want to talk but they don't want to be seen as negotiating under pressure."

The diplomat said: "ElBaradei is saying, give the Iranians a generous offer. Give them nuclear technology. Be generous," in order to secure guarantees Iran will not make nuclear weapons.