In defiance of UN Security Council demands, Iran expands its uranium enrichment program

DEBKAfile Intelligence

May 23, 2007

This finding by the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna Wednesday sets the stage for new sanctions.

US and European powers are to file a complaint against IAEA director Mohamed ElBaradei for his softened approach on Iran’s nuclear progress.

Last week, the nuclear watchdog’s director said ahead his latest report to the UN Security Council Wednesday Iran had solved most technological problems on the road to nuclear enrichment and there was no longer any point in demanding total suspension. Another 60-day grace period expires on May 24, after which Iran faces escalated Security Council sanctions for refusing to suspend all work on nuclear fuel.