"This is a critical stage, but in no way a crisis situation. This is about confidence building, the urgent need for Iran to take confidence building [steps], but it is not about any imminent threat," he said.
But el-Baradei added that Iran's move to resume limited enrichment of uranium last month "is not conducive" to restoring international trust.
El-Baradei was speaking as the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) met in Vienna to discuss reporting Iran's nuclear program to the Security Council.
Later, an IAEA spokesperson said the board adjourned the meeting until tomorrow.
In Iran, President Mahmud Ahmadinejad dismissed warnings that his country faced international isolation because of its nuclear program. Tehran says it is for peaceful purposes.
(Reuters, AFP)