Reuters: The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog urged Iran on Monday not to follow through on its threats to resume sensitive nuclear activities that could be used to produce atomic weapons. “I would hope that the Iranians would not take a unilateral decision to initiate any activities that now are currently suspended,” International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei told reporters after a meeting with … Reuters
UNITED NATIONS – The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog urged Iran on Monday not to follow through on its threats to resume sensitive nuclear activities that could be used to produce atomic weapons.
“I would hope that the Iranians would not take a unilateral decision to initiate any activities that now are currently suspended,” International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei told reporters after a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi.
Iran warned Saturday it may end its temporary suspension of uranium enrichment-related work this week after failing to reach a breakthrough in talks with the European Union over the long-term future of its disputed nuclear program.
Sharing Washington’s suspicions that Iran is developing nuclear weapons, the EU has offered Tehran economic and political incentives if it scraps its nuclear fuel program. Iran has rejected these allegations and says its program is intended to fuel power plants, not weapons.
ElBaradei, who has been talking with European and Iranian negotiators, said the talks had reached a very sensitive stage.
“It’s a delicate phase. There’s no question about it,” he said.
Asked if Iran intended to resume activities linked to enrichment program, Kharrazi declined to comment.
“That depends on the decision of our leaders and it will be decided,” he told reporters after meeting ElBaradei on the sidelines of a conference on nuclear disarmament.
Washington warned Tehran last week not to leave the negotiating table or resume any parts of its enrichment program.
It also reminded the EU of its pledge to help refer Iran’s case to the U.N. Security Council, which could lead to economic sanctions, if Tehran followed through on its threats.
