Iranians snub IAEA

The Iranians are intent on continuing their nuclear research...and now a snub....

Iran is expected to resume testing machinery next week that can be used to make weapons-grade uranium in a move that appears calculated to scupper the prospects of a settlement of its long-running nuclear dispute with the west.

Senior Iranian officials yesterday snubbed Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, by failing to show up at a scheduled meeting in Vienna after the IAEA chief demanded an explanation of Iran's plans.

Earlier this week Tehran told the IAEA that it was resuming research into nuclear fuel which was suspended more than two years ago, but refused to supply details on what kind of research.

Iranian officials flew from Tehran to Vienna yesterday to brief Dr ElBaradei, but then decided against doing so in a move that baffled diplomats and IAEA officials.

Also, the Guardian reported that, according to European intelligence, Iran is trying hard to procure equipment and knowhow in Europe for its nuclear weapons program.