White House: Iran nuclear tunnels another worrying sign

AP: The White House says it’s another worrying sign — word from a U-N nuclear agency that Iran is building tunnels to shield its nuclear facilities. Diplomats in Vienna, where the agency’s headquartered, report the tunnels would protect key elements of Iran’s program from air attacks by America or Israel. Press Secretary Scott McClellan says the report raises fresh concerns about Iran’s “behavior” and “intentions.” Associated Press

WHITE HOUSE – The White House says it’s another worrying sign — word from a U-N nuclear agency that Iran is building tunnels to shield its nuclear facilities.

Diplomats in Vienna, where the agency’s headquartered, report the tunnels would protect key elements of Iran’s program from air attacks by America or Israel.

Press Secretary Scott McClellan says the report raises fresh concerns about Iran’s “behavior” and “intentions.” The White House accuses Tehran of secretly trying to build a bomb.

The administration’s mulling a package of carrots and sticks that European negotiators can present the Iranians to persuade them to scrap their program.

The spokesman is also renewing Washington’s call for Iran to stop meddling in Iraqi politics.

President Bush spoke this morning with interim Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi (EE’-yahd ah-LAH’-wee), and McClellan says Tehran’s attempt to influence the shape of the new government in Baghdad was a key topic.