US Pushes UN Agency to Question Iran on Nuclear Sites

The United States is seeking support from other countries on the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Board of Governors for a draft resolution that would require Iran to provide information on the status of its bombed nuclear facilities and enriched uranium stockpiles.

Under the draft, Tehran would be required to provide the agency without delay with accurate data on nuclear material and protected facilities, and to allow inspectors the access needed to verify that information. The text describes these steps as "essential and urgent".

The proposal comes ahead of a meeting of the IAEA's 35-member board and could complicate ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran. Tehran has consistently rejected resolutions it considers directed against it.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that the nuclear facilities referenced in the resolution were targeted in attacks by Israel and the United States last June. Since the bombing, IAEA inspectors have been unable to reach a number of sites.

The draft does not include a recommendation to refer Iran's case to the UN Security Council, though such a move was raised after the IAEA Board of Governors found Iran in violation of its non-proliferation commitments last June.

(reuters, max)