In recent weeks, the EU, the U.S. and Australia have increased sanctions against Iran in an effort to end the country's nuclear program. Iranian spokespersons have said that the nuclear program is peaceful, but last November the International Atomic Energy Agency reported that they could not be certain as to the entire purpose of Iran's program. To resolve the issue, a six member delegation of energy agency officials has flown to Iran. Inspectors make visits to the country regularly, but a team of such distinguished, high-ranking officials is a rare event. Iran's envoy expressed hope that the talks would reveal the transparency of the program.The energy officials have stated that their main goal is to initiate a dialogue.