SWITZERLAND: IAEA debates taking Iran to Security Council
published: Friday | February 3, 2006

ELBARADEI

VIENNA (REUTERS):

THE UNITED NATIONS nuclear watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), inched yesterday towards reporting Iran to the U.N. Security Council over fears it secretly seeks atomic bombs, but the agency's chief said Tehran did not pose "an imminent threat".

U.S. and European Union leaders, aware that Russia, China and developing nations are keen to avoid a confrontation with Iran, said Security Council involvement did not mean an end to diplomacy or that Tehran would necessarily face U.N. sanctions.

Diplomats said E.U. sponsors of a resolution to report Iran were in sharp debate with developing states over what role the council should play, but predicted that up to 30 of the 35 nations on the International Atomic Energy Agency's governing board would eventually vote in favour.