UN watchdog censures Iran

THE United Nations’ nuclear watchdog has censured Iran amid mounting suspicions the Islamic republic is trying to develop atomic bombs.

The 35-nation board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a resolution by a clear majority expressing “increasing concern” about Tehran’s nuclear programme.

But the regime of president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said the move would only strengthen its resolve. “Iran will not bow to pressure,” said Ali Asghar Soltanieh, Iran’s envoy to the IAEA. The text – passed by 32 to two – omitted punitive steps, reflecting Russian and Chinese dissent.