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Talks between Iran and IAEA hit snag

DUBAI: The dialogue between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran has not made any headway over allegations that Tehran had conducted studies in the past to develop a nuclear warhead and undertaken related activities.

In its latest report on Iran, which was made available on Monday for restricted circulation, the IAEA said “regrettably [it] has not been able to make any substantive progress on the alleged studies and other associated key remaining issues which remain of serious concern.”

The “alleged studies” apparently relate to Iran’s possible attempt to develop a nuclear warhead, the testing of high explosives and fine-tuning a ballistic missile design.

The IAEA is seeking clarification on “alleged studies” based on drawings that it has been supplied. Iranians describe these drawings as “forged” and “fabricated.”

The report added that Iran had expanded production of low enriched uranium (LEU), by adding cascades of uranium-enriching centrifuges, bringing their number close to 4,000.

So far, Iran had produced 480 kg of LEU at its Natanz plant. Iranian officials say they have carried out uranium enrichment, which was less than 5 per cent far less than the over 90 per cent enrichment required to enable the use of the material in bombs.

Iran’s Press TV, quoting from the Monday’s report, said the IAEA “has been able to continue to verify the non-diversion of declared nuclear material in Iran.”

It also cited the denial by IAEA’s spokeswoman Melissa Fleming who described as “fictitious,” a report in the Daily Telegraph.

The report alleged Iran had diverted nuclear material from its facility in Isfahan that could be used for producing six atomic bombs.

Meanwhile, the report has triggered a divergent response from the U.S., China and Russia. Citing the report, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said Iran might now have to face fresh sanctions.

However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jian Yu said: “I don’t think sanctions are the way out. The ultimate solution of the Iranian nuclear issue is through negotiations and dialogue.”

Russia has already declared its opposition to additional sanctions, and has rejected the use of military force against Tehran.

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