(VOVworld) - Talks between world powers and Iran on its nuclear programe have ended without agreement, with the EU saying their positions "remain far apart".

Western negotiators, led by the EU's Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton, want Iran to stop enriching uranium- Photo: AFP

Over two days of talks in Almaty, Iran was asked to give up work on its most sensitive nuclear activities in return for an easing of sanctions. Iran said it was up to the world powers to demonstrate willingness to take confidence-building steps. World powers suspect Iran of a covert nuclear weapons program. International analysts predict that western leaders will impose new economic sanctions on Iran with a twin purpose of pressing Tehran and persuading Israel not to carry out military attacks on Iran.