Iran raises nuclear threat
2004-05-27 20:27
Tehran - Iran threatened on Wednesday to resume uranium enrichment if the UN nuclear watchdog gives in to pressures from the United States, which accuses Iran of seeking a nuclear weapons programme.
The United States and other nations accuse Iran of running a covert nuclear weapons programme and are pushing the United Nations to impose sanctions. Iran has rejected the allegations, saying its nuclear programme is geared only toward generating electricity.
"If the International Atomic Energy Agency decides under US pressure and doesn't investigate Iran's dossier with a legal outlook, we will take the necessary decisions," President Mohammad Khatami told reporters.
On Friday, Iran delivered a thousand-page report that it said provides "all the information" the agency needs to draw a full picture.
IAEA Chief Mohammed ElBaradei plans to present an assessment of Iran's nuclear activities to the IAEA board of governors in June.
"The IAEA should not look for pretexts," Khatami said. "The problem is political pressure. We are sure that even if we respond to all the agency's demands, the United States will still look for excuses. We expect the IAEA not to give in to US pressures."
Iran agreed last year, under international pressure, to suspend uranium enrichment and allow intrusive inspection of its nuclear facilities.
Khatami said there was no reason for Iran to continue co-operation unilaterally.
"Co-operation is a two-way street. To show our goodwill, we voluntarily agreed to suspend enrichment. We are already enforcing additional protocol even if it has not been finalised. We will resume enrichment if necessary," he warned.
Khatami said it was unlikely that Iran would achieve its goal of getting the IAEA to give its nuclear programme the all-clear by June.
"I strongly guess that our (nuclear) dossier won't be removed from the IAEA's agenda by June," the president said. "If Iran's dossier is not closed in June, the IAEA is at least expected to adopt an impartial, legal and expert decision away from political pressures."
Concerns over Iran's nuclear programme mounted after IAEA inspectors found traces of highly enriched uranium at two Iranian sites. Iran said the uranium was already on materials imported from abroad.
Inspectors have also discovered an advanced P-2 centrifuge programme that Iran had not reported to the UN agency.
- AP