The Iranian nuclear case is expected to be forwarded to the Security Council at a meeting on 2 February of the governing board of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. The Security Council's five permanent members -- the United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France -- have backed the referral.
Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki warned on Iranian television late on 31 January that a referral to the Security Council would result in Iran halting cooperation with the IAEA as of 4 February.
Officials at the IAEA said Iran has begun preparations for enriching uranium, a process which can produce material for nuclear reactors or atomic bombs.
Iran denies allegations that it is secretly trying to make a nuclear weapon, saying its atomic program is for peaceful purposes only.
(compiled from agency reports)