Colin Powell: Iran Should Not Withhold Key Information About Its Nuclear Program

Colin Powell, the U.S. Secretary of State, has warned the Islamic Republic of Iran not to withhold key information regarding its nuclear program. Mr. Powell stated in a television interview on Sunday that the international community will not stand idly by while Iran attempts to build nuclear weapons. The Iranian government has denied having any nuclear weapons program. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed its serious regret on Saturday over Iran's failure to disclose key nuclear technologies in its October report. The U.S. Secretary of State said that if the IAEA remains dissatisfied with Iran's actions at its next meeting in June, it could refer the matter to the United Nations Security Council for action. If the IAEA does so, the Security Council may also impose sanctions on Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iran has described the IAEA's resolution as 'unjust' and 'insulting' and warned that it may change its cooperation with the agency as a result of such a resolution. In another development, Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of the IAEA, has strongly urged Iran to allow inspectors from the agency to conduct inspections of its nuclear facilities. ElBaradei stated that renewed inspections are the best way to dispel any suspicions that Iran may be trying to hide 'something'.