Senior United Nations nuclear inspectors head for Tehran for crucial talks on Iran's disputed nuclear programme.
Herman Nackaerts, the UN nuclear watchdog's deputy director general, told reporters at Vienna airport that he was hoping to resolve outstanding issues.
SOUNDBITE (English) IAEA DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL FOR SAFEGUARDS, HERMAN NACKAERTS, SAYING:
"In particular we hope that Iran will engage with us on our concerns regarding the possible military dimension of Iran's nuclear programme. So we are looking forward to start with a dialogue."
The three-day visit comes at a time of increased tension between Iran and the West, after the UN issued a report in November detailing Iran's nuclear activity.
Tehran says its programme is for peaceful electricity generation.
It threatened to halt oil exports to Europe on Friday after facing increased sanctions from many Western countries.
The six-member UN team of senior officials and experts is due to arrive in Tehran on Sunday.
Sunita Rappai, Reuters
