Iran nuclear talks fizzle quickly on Day 1

ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- Talks seeking common ground between Iran and a group of six nations over concerns that Tehran's nuclear program might be used to make weapons appeared to run into trouble shortly after they began yesterday.

A Western diplomat said Iran's response to the group's offer to lift some sanctions fell short of what the six wanted and amounted to a "reworking" of proposals it made last year at fruitless negotiations. He said the two sides remained a "long way apart on substance."

Iran demands recognition of its right to nuclear technology.

Russia's Interfax news agency cited Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov as saying the six won't be able to determine whether they can bridge differences with Iran until the two sides meet again today.

In Washington, officials said there is no plan for the United States and Iran to meet bilaterally during the talks. -- AP