BERLIN, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Diplomats representing the U.N. Security Council's five permanent members and Germany met Wednesday to discuss Iran's nuclear issue.

None of the six countries involved, which also included Britain, China, France, Russia, and the U.S., has commented on the specific goals of Wednesday's meeting.

The gathering had been scheduled before Iran late Monday successfullylaunched a satellite into orbit. The launch has caused concern amongst analysts and government officials in Europe, the U.S. and Israel that Iran may link its satellite programs and its work with missiles and nuclear technology.

U.S. President Barack Obama has shifted U.S. policy on Iran since he took office Jan. 20 and wants to engage in "direct diplomacy" with Tehran.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in late January urged Iran not to reject Obama's offer to open direct talks on its nuclear program and stressed diplomacy as the way to solve the dispute.

The six countries have offered Tehran a package of economic and energy incentives in exchange for the halting of its uranium enrichment program.

The U.S. and its alliesallege that Iran is using the program as a cover to develop nuclear weapons. At the same time, the Security Council has imposed sanctions to pressure Iran to comply.

Iran insists it is only seeking nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
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