Iran-UN Talks Called Off, U.S. Reiterates Threats

Muhammad el-Baradei, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (file photo) (AFP) 5 January 2006 – Talks between the UN nuclear agency and Iranian officials to discuss Tehran's nuclear program failed to materialize after the Iranian delegation failed to show up at a meeting scheduled for today.

A spokeswoman for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Melissa Fleming, said no new talks have been scheduled.

Earlier this week, Iran announced its plans to restart its nuclear research program, which it suspended more than two years ago.

IAEA chief Muhammad el-Baradei has called for "clarifications," while the United States, France and Germany voiced concern over Iran's plans.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on 5 January that her country may initiate efforts to haul Iran before the UN Security Council if it pursues its plans to resume nuclear fuel research.

Meanwhile today, Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad repeated his previous declaration that Tehran will not retreat from its nuclear program.

(AP/AFP)