AUSTRIAN ON IRAN NUCLEAR ENGAGEMENT

C O N F I D E N T I A L VIENNA 000203 SIPDIS DEPT FOR ISN/RA E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/23/2025 TAGS: MNUC KNNP PARM IR AU SUBJECT: AUSTRIAN ON IRAN NUCLEAR ENGAGEMENT REF: STATE 15979 Classified By: Econ/Pol Counselor Dean Yap. Reason: 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (C) In a previously scheduled meeting Feb. 22, Austrian MFA Arms Control/Disarmament Director Alexander Marschik emphasized Austria's growing frustration with Iranian nuclear intransigence and reported that Austria was becoming increasingly direct in its public statements and private messages to Iran about the consequences thereof. He noted, in particular, FonMin Spindelegger's comments during his recent visit to Israel (septel) about the need to consider additional sanctions to influence Iranian behavior. ¶2. (U) During the meeting, UNVIE IAEA Counselor Scheland reviewed the history of engagement with Iran on the TRR project, stressing that Iran had failed to provide a written acceptance of the IAEA's October 21 draft agreement and its subsequent and inadequate "counteroffers." Embassy Vienna EconPol Counselor also conveyed the non-papers in paras 10 and 11 of reftel to Marschik on Feb. 23. EACHO