IAEA worried about military aspects of Iran nuke program

UN atomic watchdog head voices frustration at Tehran's failure to address allegations it may be working to develop a nuclear-armed missile.

Amano 311 (R) (photo credit: REUTERS)
Amano 311 (R)
(photo credit: REUTERS)
VIENNA - The head of the UN nuclear agency on Monday said newly-received information added to concerns about possible military aspects to Iran's disputed nuclear program.
Yukiya Amano, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), voiced growing frustration at what the Vienna-based body sees as Iran's failure to address allegations it may be working to develop a nuclear-armed missile.
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"We are not saying that Iran has a nuclear weapons program. We have concerns and we want to clarify the matter," he told a news conference.
Amano said the IAEA had received since late last year some "information raising further concern", suggesting it was about alleged activities both before and after 2004. He did not give any details.
Iran denies Western accusations it is seeking nuclear weapons capability, saying its atomic activities are aimed at generating electricity so it can export more of its oil and gas.
For several years, the IAEA has been investigating Western intelligence reports indicating Iran has coordinated efforts to process uranium, test explosives at high altitude and revamp a ballistic missile cone to it can take a nuclear warhead.
Iran has dismissed the allegations as forged.
In a confidential report last month, the IAEA said it has received new information regarding accusations of possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear work.
Amano declined to say where the information came from, but added: "We are collecting information from various sources. Normally we do not depend on one single source of information."