Nuclear watchdog accused of espionage

TEHRAN'S intelligence chief has accused the UN nuclear watchdog agency of sending spies instead of inspectors to monitor Iran's nuclear activities.

State TV quoted intelligence minister Heidar Moslehi yesterday saying that the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency's inspectors have engaged in espionage and the agency must take responsibility for their actions.

The accusation comes ahead of talks, beginning tomorrow in Geneva, over Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Iranian negotiator and deputy foreign minister Saeed Jalili said yesterday: "Just as in previous talks we did not allow Iran's rights to be undermined, we will be pursuing the same course in this latest round."