U.S. Accuses Iran Of Nuclear 'Deception, Defiance, And Delay'

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Office in Vienna and to the International Atomic Energy Agency Joseph Macmanus speaks to media on the sidelines of the Board of Governors meeting at the UN atomic agency headquarters in Vienna, 06Mar2013

The United States has warned Iran it faces further isolation and pressure if it fails to address international concerns about its nuclear program.

Joseph Macmanus, the U.S. ambassador to the UN’s nuclear watchdog, told the IAEA’s 35-nation board in Vienna on March 6 that Washington was "deeply concerned with what appears to be Iran's unwavering commitment to deception, defiance, and delay."

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In Washington, the top U.S. commander in the Middle East, General James Mattis, told a Senate panel that the current sanctions and diplomatic efforts to stop Iran from gaining nuclear capabilities are not working.

The comments reflect U.S. frustration over Iran's expanding uranium-enrichment program and stalled attempts by the IAEA to probe suspicions that Tehran might have tried to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies any such efforts.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AP