Mohamed ElBaradei tells Atomic Energy Agency he has hit ‘dead end’ with Iran

The Times: The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said yesterday that he had reached a “dead end” in his investigation into Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons programme. The Times

Catherine Philp, Diplomatic Correspondent

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said yesterday that he had reached a “dead end” in his investigation into Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons programme.

The remark from Mohamed ElBaradei, at the agency’s Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, came as member nations prepared to vote on a key resolution condemning the Tehran regime. Mr ElBaradei, who has three days left in the job, has been dogged by criticism over his perceived weakness in dealing with Tehran and internal infighting at the agency over a reluctance to release incriminating evidence. Yesterday, however, he criticised Iran for rejecting an internationally endorsed plan to send its nuclear fuel abroad, delaying the moment it could manufacture a nuclear bomb.

The agency’s resolution is expected to be passed today with the backing of all members of the E3+3; the international negotiating group on Iran comprising the US, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany.

It demands that Iran should mothball the enrichment plant at Qom and confirm that it has no further hidden nuclear sites. The resolution is to be reported to the Security Council.