The secretary general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) presented a new report on Iran's nuclear problem to the UN Security Council Friday, confirming that Iran continues its efforts to develop the full nuclear cycle despite an UN-imposed ban.
"I would advise them [Iran-Six negotiators] not to make hasty decisions and return to the negotiating table," Manuchehr Mottaki said.
The report said Iran was continuing enrichment activities and was working to build more centrifuges in its underground center in Natanz in an apparent effort to reach an industrial-scale production of nuclear fuel.
However, IAEA head Mohamed ElBaradei said Iranian authorities had given UN inspectors access to all requested nuclear sites and documents and presented detailed reports on the use and storage of nuclear materials in line with Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty provisions.
Iran's resumption of uranium enrichment in January 2006 has given rise to international suspicions that the country could be pursuing a nuclear weapons program, although Iran has consistently denied this.
The standoff caused by Iran's unwillingness to suspend nuclear research culminated in the United Nations Security Council adopting a resolution in December that imposed sanctions against Iran banning activities involving uranium enrichment, chemical reprocessing, heavy water-based projects, and the production of nuclear weapons delivery systems.
The Iran-Six, which comprises the UN Security Council's five permanent member-nations and Germany, will decide on further steps on the Iranian nuclear program during a London meeting at the level of deputy foreign ministers on February 26.
