America has long accused Iran of using this civilian programme to mask covert efforts at bomb-making.
Nor does it need its heavy-water production plant for a civilian programme based on light-water reactors; these would, however, be very useful for bomb-building.
Before meeting the Iranian president Hassan Rouhani at the UN, Hollande said he expected "concrete gestures" by Iran to show it would give up its military nuclear programme, "even if it clearly has the right to pursue its civilian programme".
The negotiating states in Vienna – the US, UK, France, Germany, China and Russia – have hitherto insisted on fewer than 10,000 in total so it would take Iran more than six months to change its civilian programme to a military one and build a warhead.
The UK brought experts in both military and civilian nuclear programmes, sanctions and international law.
During the talks, the Americans have insisted that North Korea, having proved so untrustworthy to date, forgo even civilian nuclear programmes.
At worst China's test could accelerate an arms race.Nor will the test foster closer co-operation between Western and Chinese civilian space programmes.
The Iranian strategy will be to force a treaty overhaul which spells out the rights of signatories to run civilian nuclear programmes including the right to enrich uranium, while questioning the failure of the US, France and Britain, to disarm fully.
She was a vision of futuristic nowness: pierced septum, robed cape, electric-blue Egyptian eyeliner and a catsuit that, if civilian space programmes did fashion lines, would work nicely in Nasa's collection for next season.
In a sort of nuclear chain reaction, states such as Qatar have begun their own civilian nuclear programmes with US backing and know-how, which could have military applications down the road.
