Iran press confident on nuclear talks

Most newspapers in Iran are in a confident mood as talks continue with the EU in Vienna over the future of Tehran's nuclear programme.

Commentators express the belief that Iran is in a strong position and the threat of sanctions if it refuses to obey the West in stopping nuclear enrichment has diminished.

One paper, however, is less sanguine about the talks, and warns that Tehran cannot rely on Russia or China to support it.

HARDLINE SIYASAT-E-RUZ

In the current situation Iran is in a very strong position... so it cannot be threatened or be sanctioned. The international need for energy makes countries loathe to tie their national interests too closely to American policies. In the current situation America and other world powers cannot make decisions like in the 19th Century and expect the whole world to obey them.

CONSERVATIVE RESALAT

Iran has been under economic sanctions since the beginning of the Islamic revolution and more sanctions on Iran wouldn't be practical. Unlike many who believe that Iran will face a critical future, we believe that America's guillotine has lost its edge and the future will be critical not for Iran, but for America.

CONSERVATIVE HAMSHAHRI

America has... confronted Iran's firm and logical policies in attaining peaceful nuclear technology and has been unsuccessful in making it back down despite pressure from the UN Security Council. America has also had to confront the strength of Iran's position after the Hezbollah victory [in Lebanon], realizing that imposing economic sanctions is totally useless. It therefore has no choice but to accept the new Iran and bow to another defeat against the Islamic Republic.

REFORMIST E'TEMAAD-E-MELLI

The fact that [EU foreign policy chief Javier] Solana is interested in negotiating with [Iranian nuclear negotiator] Ali Larijani proves that Tehran is coming face to face with a new Europe. This new Europe can use its diplomatic potential on the one hand and its familiarity with Iran's regional position on the other to forge a new relationship with Tehran.

HARDLINE JOMHURI-YE-ESLAMI

Tehran shouldn't be hopeful for its negotiations with the Europeans. Even without nuclear energy, the Zionists believe that Iran is dangerous, so separating the European countries from America and the Zionists is not possible for Iran. Russia and China also have enough of their own problems without having to support Iran at the last minute and will reach a deal with America over certain important issues like nuclear energy: so we shouldn't rely on Russia and China.

BBC Monitoring selects and translates news from radio, television, press, news agencies and the internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages. It is based in Caversham, UK, and has several bureaux abroad.