UN pressures Iran to explain nuclear programme

The UN nuclear watchdog agency today pressed Iran to answer lingering questions about "possible military dimensions" to Tehran's suspect nuclear programme.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a new report that the Islamic republic needed to clarify its enrichment of uranium and other activities - and reassure the world that it was not trying to build an atomic weapon.

The Vienna-based IAEA expressed particular concern about the alleged role of an unidentified foreign national with explosives expertise.

The agency said it has pressed Iran about its programme, but Tehran was playing games - focusing instead "on the style and form ... and providing limited answers and simple denials."

Iran insists its nuclear programme is peaceful.