Iran raising nuclear stakes, warns UN watchdog

THE UN atomic watchdog agency said yesterday that Iran appears determined to expand its uranium enrichment programme — a key international concern because of fears it could use the activity to make nuclear weapons.

The International Atomic Energy Agency, in a confidential report made available to The Associated Press, also suggested that unless Iran drastically increased its co-operation with an agency probe, the agency would not be able to establish whether past clandestine activities were focused on making nuclear arms.

The report, drawn up for next week’s 35-nation IAEA board meeting, will play a significant role in determining the international community’s next steps as it tries to wrest compromises from Tehran meant to reduce suspicions it may be seeking to make nuclear weapons.