Iran Denies Acquiring Advanced Enrichment Equipment

Larijani said there is "no question" of this being the case. He said the government is ready to discuss any "ambiguities" with the UN's nuclear watchdog, the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Diplomats at the IAEA said on 20 January that Iran may have received sophisticated centrifuges capable of enriching uranium -- which could support Western claims that Tehran is hiding sensitive nuclear work.

Tehran says its nuclear program is peaceful, but the United States suspects it is covertly developing atomic weapons.

Israel warned on 21 January that it will not tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran.

Speaking on 22 January, German Foreign Minister Walter Steinmeier urged continued diplomacy and cautioned against a "militarization of thinking."

(AFP)