Turkey hosts low-level talks on Iranian nuclear program

Meeting of technical experts comes after three rounds of failed negotiations between Tehran and Western powers

ISTANBUL (AP) — Technical experts are in Turkey for discussions on Iran’s nuclear program that aim to see whether there is enough common ground to return to full-fledged talks.

The low-level meeting in Istanbul on Tuesday follows three rounds of nuclear negotiations between Iran and six world powers that have failed to produce a breakthrough.

The United States, Israel and others believe Iran seeks to build nuclear weapons. Iran says the program is purely for civilian purposes, such as producing energy and medical isotopes.

The US and EU have imposed several rounds of sanctions to pressure Iran to give up its uranium enrichment program. Iran acknowledges that the measures are taking a toll, saying it has stockpiled goods and hard currency to help cushion the economy.