IAEA Reports Slow Progress Over Iran's Nuclear Program

1 September 2004 -- The UN's nuclear watchdog agency today delivered a mixed report on Iranian nuclear activities but said there is so far no evidence that would confirm U.S. allegations that Iran is building a nuclear bomb.

The latest International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report praised Iran for providing access to nuclear sites but criticized the Islamic republic for delaying the release of some requested information.

In Washington, a senior U.S. arms official expressed concern about a statement in the report that Iran plans to convert 37 tons of "yellowcake" uranium into uranium hexafluoride (UF6), which could be used to build atomic bombs.

John Bolton, U.S. undersecretary of state for arms control and international security, said this is "further strong evidence of the compelling need" to take Iran's nuclear program to the UN Security Council.

In Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Assefi said the report is evidence that Iran is cooperating in resolving questions about its nuclear program.

(Reuters/AFP)