France, June 13 -- France has accused Iran of stoking international tensions after a UN atomic weapons watchdog said that the country was flouting deals over its development of nuclear power.

The French reaction came after Iran announcedit was constructing a new enrichment site and significantly increasing its production of enriched uranium in response to the rap from the International Atomic energy Agency (IAEA). Oman talks

"Paris denounces Iran's deliberate pursuit of nuclear escalation," said a French foreign ministry spokesperson. "We urge Iran to return to the negotiating table."

The French plea preceded a concerted EU attempt to calm tensions as Iranian and American negotiating teams prepare for talks in the Omani capital Mascate...