U.S. split on nuclear energy for Iran, North Korea

Confronting brewing nuclear crises with Iran and North Korea, the United States has taken opposite positions in each case over the question of peaceful atomic energy.

The Bush administration has endorsed a European Union proposal — rejected on Saturday by Tehran — that includes a guarantee of civilian nuclear power for Iran in return for scuttling its alleged weapons program.

Meanwhile, Washington would deny North Korea the same capability, contributing to an the impasse at six-party negotiations in Beijing.

The seemingly contradictory approaches derive from considerations including U.S. distrust of North Korea’s ability to keep a commitment, and Iran’s growing regional power, but they could make it harder to strike a deal with either side.

Reuters India