Vienna: Amid accelerated international efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran, the U.N. atomic agency on Friday reported that work on a key element an assessment of allegations that Tehran worked on atomic arms remains essentially stalled.
After years of deadlock, Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) agreed in November 2013 on a new attempt to probe the accusations. The U.S. and its allies also included the investigation into a to do list for talks with Iran meant to curb its nuclear programs in exchange for sanctions relief.
Washington continues to insist that full lifting of sanctions depends on the IAEA's ability to thoroughly probe the accusations and deliver an assessment on its findings.
The IAEA is focused on 12 alleged activities that point to Iranian attempts to make such weapons, including suspicions that Tehran worked on the development on a nuclear payload for missiles. The IAEA started its probe last year by asking for information on less sensitive work related to nuclear arms allegedly carried out by Iran.
Since then, Iran has asserted that explosives-related experiments had civilian uses and were not related to the alleged work on nuclear weapons.
A confidential IAEA report issued Thursday and obtained by The Associated Press said that Tehran has since shared some other information on related alleged experiments but continues to hold back on the next stage of the IAEA probe.
Since August, "Iran has yet to propose any new practical measures" to bring the investigation forward, said the report.
The agency seeks to interview officials suspected of involvement in weapons research and development. It also wants to visit sites allegedly used for such work. But as the Iran six power nuclear talks approach an end of June target date, Iranian officials are adamant that they won't allow such questioning or inspections.
Iran denies any work on or interest in nuclear arms. It accuses Israel, the United States and other adversaries of providing phony evidence to the agency for the probe.
"The Agency remains concerned about the possible existence in Iran of undisclosed nuclear-related activities involving military related organizations, including activities related to the development of a nuclear payload for a missiles," said the report, issued to the IAEA's 35 nation board and the U.N. Security Council.
"Iran is required to cooperate fully with the Agency on all outstanding issues, particularly those which give rise to concerns about the possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear program, including by providing access without delay to all sites, equipment, persons and documents requested by the Agency.
