A senior Iranian envoy abruptly cancelled talks today with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, dashing hopes that Tehran is ready to end its secrecy about past nuclear activities that could be part of a weapons programme.

The chief US delegate to the International Atomic Energy Agency today called on Europe to put more pressure on Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment-related and reprocessing activities.

America’s top intelligence official took down a government website with captured Saddam Hussein-era Iraqi documents, after questions were raised about whether it provided too much information about making atomic bombs.

The United States and Europe today urged Iran to be open about its nuclear activities and freeze uranium enrichment, with Washington warning that continued defiance could result in tough measures by the UN Security Council.

NEW Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate may have to wait until after the weekend to discover if he has signed his replacement in defence.

New Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate may have to wait until after the weekend to discover if he has signed his replacement in defence.

Middlesbrough will plunge themselves into controversy tomorrow when they unveil Gareth Southgate as their new manager.

Facing a UN deadline to halt uranium enrichment by Friday, Iran’s supreme leader warned the US of a “twofold” response should it launch a military attack.

Iran has threatened to retaliate in the face of almost certain referral to the UN Security Council for its nuclear activities, and the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said the dispute was ”reaching a critical phase”.

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s board today approved a resolution that clears the way for referring Iran to the UN Security Council over its nuclear program.