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Talks between Iran and world powers on a uranium enrichment deal are making slower-than-expected progress, the head of the UN's nuclear watchdog has said.

Mohamed ElBaradei said "many technical issues" had to be analysed, but insisted they were "moving forward".

The negotiations were stalled for most of Tuesday after Iran said it did not want France to be part of the deal, but briefly resumed late in the evening.

Iran is considering a proposal to send uranium abroad for further enrichment.

This is seen as a way for Iran to get the fuel it needs, while giving guarantees to the West that it will not be used for nuclear weapons.

'Complex process'

Tuesday's talks in Geneva - involving Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany - faltered after the Iranians said they would curb enrichment, something seen by the Western powers as essential, and objected to France's involvement.

All sides eventually returned to the negotiating table for about an hour after the US and Iranian representatives met in Mr ElBaradei's office. Few details of the meetings were released.

The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the talks would resume at 1000 (0800 GMT) on Wednesday.

"I believe we are making progress. It is maybe slower than I expected. But we are moving forward," Mr ElBaradei ... >>>