"The agency cannot exclude the possibility ... that the plutonium analyzed by
the agency was derived from source(s) other than declared by Iran," the report
said. Plutonium separation is one of the suspect "dual use" activities that
could be used for a weapons program.
But the agency was stonewalled by Iran's refusal to give more information on
other key issues ! details of its centrifuge programs that are used to enrich
uranium, information on drawings that show how to form fissile uranium into
warheads, and apparent links between Iran's military establishment and what it
says is a civilian nuclear program.
The Security council is likely to consider punitive measures against the
Islamic republic. While Russia and China have been reluctant to endorse
sanctions, the council's three other veto-wielding members say a strong response
is in order.
The report formally served notice that Tehran had shrugged off a 30-day
deadline to meet council demands. As such, it opened the way for further council
steps, including the potential threat of sanctions and military action if Iran
continues to defy the international community.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice won broad support from NATO allies for a
tough diplomatic line on Iran.
However, NATO foreign ministers meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria, did not offer any
specific threat of sanctions against Iran. While Russia and China have been
reluctant to endorse sanctions, the council's three other veto-wielding members
say a strong response is in order.
"On Iran, there was unanimity," Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel
Moratinos told reporters. "Although the clear message to the Iranian authorities
is one of firmness, we have to continue with the diplomatic path."
Rice said it was time for the Security Council to act if the world body
wished to remain credible.
"The Security Council is the primary and most important institution for the
maintenance of peace and stability and security and it cannot have its word and
its will simply ignored by a member state," Rice said.
Iran's UN ambassador, Javad Zarif, said Thursday that Tehran will refuse to
comply even if the council request is turned into a demand through a resolution
because its activities are legal and peaceful. Enrichment can be used to
generate fuel or make the fissile core of nuclear weapons.
"If the Security Council decides to take decisions that are not within its
competence, then Iran does not feel obliged to obey," he said in New York.
As late as Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin questioned the primacy
of the council, insisting the UN nuclear watchdog should continue to play a
central role in the dispute. "It mustn't shrug this role from its shoulders and
pass it on to the UN Security Council," Putin said.
But a top French diplomat laid out a starkly contrasting position that also
reflects US and British views: The Security Council should not only have the
main say in dealing with Iran but also should start considering how to increase
the pressure. But, the diplomat said, a UN resolution enforceable by military
action would not automatically mean resorting to such action.
The Security Council statement a month ago gave Iran until Friday to suspend
all activities linked to enrichment because it can be used to make the highly
enriched uranium used in the core of nuclear warheads.
Instead of complying, Iran ! which says it seeks the technology only to
generate electric power ! has upped the ante in recent weeks, announcing it had
for the first time successfully enriched uranium and was doing research on
advanced centrifuges that would let it produce more of the material in less
time.
Western concern has grown in the more than three years since when Iran was
found to be working on large-scale plans to enrich uranium.
While the IAEA has found no "smoking gun" proving Iran wants nuclear arms, a
series of reports have revealed worrying clandestine activities ! like plutonium
processing ! and documents, including drawings of how to mold weapons-grade
uranium metal into the shape of a warhead.