The Iran curtain seems to be breaking open. At least, that is the impression one is getting now. Iran will continue to co-operate with the United Nations nuclear agency, a foreign ministry spokesman has said.

Hassan Qashqavi appeared to confirm reports last week that UN inspectors were allowed access to Iran’s nearly complete nuclear reactor at Arak. But Mr Qashqavi urged the West to seek “interaction” not sanctions in its dealings with Tehran, state TV reports. Western nations fear Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons, but Tehran insists its nuclear work is for civilian purposes. Western diplomats said on Friday that Iran had allowed inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) into its nuclear facility at Arak after a year without access.