IAEA Chief Says Iran Nuclear Dispute 'Needs To Be Defused'

The UN's nuclear watchdog's board of governors meeting (file photo) (epa) June 11, 2007 -- The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog agency says the international dispute over Iran's nuclear program "needs to be defused."

Speaking at a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Board of Governors that opened today in Vienna, Muhammad el-Baradei said Iran has not responded to UN demands to suspend uranium enrichment, and continues to expand its enrichment program. He said he is "increasingly disturbed" by the matter.

Iran denies Western allegations that it is covertly using its nuclear program to develop atomic weapons.

The 35-nation board of the IAEA this week is expected to examine a report by el-Baradei about Iran's continuing uranium-enrichment work.

In a related development, Iranian diplomat Javad Vaedi is expected to hold talks in Europe today with a European Union official about future talks between the Iran and EU.

(compiled from agency reports)