Iran Admits To Importing Centrifuge Parts

2 June 2004 -- In a confidential report obtained by Western news agencies, the UN nuclear monitoring agency says that Iran has admitted importing parts for centrifuges capable of making bomb-grade uranium.
Iran had previously maintained that the parts were made in the country.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Muhammad el-Baradei, who compiled the report, warned that it was too early to judge whether Iran's program was intended for the development of weapons.

In an interview with AP before the report was leaked, U.S. Undersecretary of State John Bolton accused Tehran of engaging in "denial and deception" and said Washington was determined to have it answer to the UN Security Council.

Washington has accused Iran of pursuing a nuclear arms program. Tehran denies this, saying its nuclear program is only for domestic energy.

(AP/Reuters)