UN watchdog claims Iran withholding information on nuclear tests

Published on Tuesday 27 May 2008 01:44

THE UN's nuclear watchdog last night said it believes Iran is still withholding information on its nuclear programme.

In a report, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Tehran's alleged weapons development studies remain "a matter of serious concern".

The tone of the language in the report revealed a glimpse of the frustration felt by agency investigators stymied in their attempts to gain full answers to suspicious aspects of Iran's past nuclear activities.

Iran has described its co-operation with the agency investigation of its alleged nuclear weapons experiments as "positive", suggesting it was providing information requested by agency officials.

The report stated: "Iran has not provided the agency with all the information, access to documents and access to individuals necessary to support Iran's statements (that its activities are purely peaceful in intent.

"Iran may have additional information, in particular on high-explosives testing and missile-related activities which… Iran should share with the agency."