SOUTH AFRICA: U.S. POSTURE ON IRAN'S NUCLEAR

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRETORIA 002392 SIPDIS FOR NEA/FO CATALANO AND ISN/RA NEPHEW E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/23/2119 TAGS: PREL PARM IR SF SUBJECT: SOUTH AFRICA: U.S. POSTURE ON IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM AND NEXT STEPS REF: STATE 120288 Classified By: Classified by Political Counselor Walter N. Pflaumer for Reasons 1.4 b and d. (C) Meeting with Department of International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Director for Nuclear Disarmament and Nonproliferation Johann Kellerman on November 23, Deputy Political Counselor set forth the serious lingering concerns regarding Iran's nuclear intentions outlined in reftel and urged support for recent U.S. and P5 1 efforts. Kellerman expressed appreciation for our frustration, agreeing that Iran's intransigence is difficult to understand. Kellerman predicted that Iran may try to sidestep efforts to engage at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting on November 26 by insisting that the P5 1 initiative is distinct and separate from its IAEA obligations. Kellerman assured us that he would convey our concerns, but he also suggested that direct consultations between the U.S. and South Africa in Vienna might be useful. Kellerman added that in his personal view, Iran's regional partners will need to be part of any successful effort to influence Tehran. GIPS