NETHERLAND/IRAN NUKES: SUPPORTING NEXT STEPS,

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000716 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/25/2019 TAGS: PREL KNNP MNUC PARM NL IR SUBJECT: NETHERLAND/IRAN NUKES: SUPPORTING NEXT STEPS, "MORE INFORMATION PLEASE" REF: A. SECSTATE 120288 ¶B. THE HAGUE 608 Classified By: POL Deputy Eric Falls for reasons 1.4(b,d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: The Dutch continue to support a firm approach with Iran but also continue to seek details on possible new sanctions. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) Key Dutch MFA contacts -- MFA Iran Desk Loek Ten Hagen and Deputy Head of Nuclear Affairs and Non-Proliferation Christoffer Jonker -- welcomed discussion of reftel A with Pol Deputy and POLMIL officer on November 25. Jonker said the news of additional compromise efforts by the P5 1 will support FM Verhagen's approach. Jonker and Ten Hagen had read news reports but not heard confirmation that the Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) deal offered Iran financing to transport the LEU for the Tehran, an escrow plan to hold LEU in a third country for Iran, and the offer of a signature to the deal by the United States. According to Jonker, those compromise efforts support a firm approach. The Dutch and the EU intend to support the German resolution on Iran at the IAEA Board of Governors on November 26. EU members will make a strong statement of support. Verhagen is "in the front line among EU members" with his tough approach on Iran, and wants the EU to take up the issue in December if Iran does not give a favorable response. Verhagen prefers UNSC action but will look at EU options if the UNSC does not act. Ten Hagen asked about prospects for UNSC action, noting that the recent P5 1 statement was a "little weak" -- he had expected something stronger after President Obama's recent trip to China. ¶3. (C) Ten Hagen and Jonker repeated their request for information on possible new sanctions (reftel B). Jonker noted "it is difficult for us and our Minister" to advance a tough approach without a fuller understanding of the "next steps" on sanctions. GALLAGHER