Iran offers 'timetable' in nuclear row

IRAN yesterday warned it will start large-scale uranium enrichment if it is referred to the UN Security Council over international concerns regarding its nuclear programme.

The International Atomic Energy Agency will meet in Vienna, Austria, today to discuss Iran's nuclear program and to decide whether to refer the issue to the Security Council, which has the power to impose economic and political sanctions on the Islamic republic.

Iran maintains its programme is for generating electricity, but the United States and other Western nations fear Tehran is trying to build a nuclear weapon.