West Says Iran Seeking To Intimidate UN Nuclear Watchdog

Glyn Davies, U.S. envoy to the IAEA

Western countries today accused Iran of seeking to intimidate the UN atomic agency by barring its inspectors.

The condemnation came in a statement by Britain, France, and Germany at a closed-door session of the 35-member board of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna today.

In a separate statement, U.S. envoy Glyn Davies also accused Iran of trying to intimidate international inspectors and influence their work.

In June, Iran banned two IAEA inspectors, alleging they had made "false" reports to the agency about Iran's nuclear program.

IAEA Director-General Yukiya Amano this week told the board that Tehran's decision was "hampering" the agency's work.

The dispute has deepened international concern about Iran's nuclear program, which Western nations fear is aimed at making atomic bombs. Iran denies the charge.

compiled from agency reports