Iran Threatens To End Cooperation With IAEA

Ali Larijani, the head of the Supreme National Security Council (file photo) (epa) April 25, 2006 -- Iran has said it will cut ties with the United Nations nuclear watchdog if the UN Security Council imposes sanctions against Tehran over its disputed nuclear program.
The warning came today from Iran's top nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, at a conference in Tehran.


"I have clearly said that if you impose sanctions, Iran will suspend its relations with the IAEA," he said. "This is what you will get [by imposing sanctions]. Will it help this problem? If you are seeking to put Iran within the framework [of international law] because of its nuclear case, you should reach an agreement on this framework with Iran. You cannot design a framework for us by force."


Speaking shortly afterward in Athens, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Iran's declaration could only deepen its international isolation.


The UN Security Council has given Iran until April 28 to suspend all uranium enrichment activities or face possible sanctions.


(compiled from agency reports)

What The Street Thinks

What The Street Thinks

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