IAEA Rejects US Criticism of Its Report on Iran's Nuclear Program

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which is affiliated with the United Nations, has rejected the United States' criticism of its report on Iran's nuclear program. On Thursday, a spokesperson for the agency in Vienna stated that the organization stands by its report, which will be reviewed at its board meeting next week. On Wednesday, a senior US official said it is impossible to believe that no evidence of Iran's attempts to produce nuclear weapons has been found. John Bolton, the US Deputy Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, stated that the United States still believes that Iran's efforts to acquire nuclear capabilities only make sense as part of a nuclear weapons program. The Islamic Republic of Iran has warned of unpredictable consequences if the IAEA declares that Iran has violated the global treaty prohibiting nuclear weapons. The Iranian representative to the agency said on Thursday that such an action could easily lead to events spiraling out of control. Members of the IAEA are set to meet next week to discuss a report criticizing Tehran for concealing part of its nuclear program. However, the report notes that no evidence of Iran's activity to produce nuclear weapons has been found. If the IAEA concludes that Iran has violated its treaty obligations, it will refer the matter to the United Nations for potential economic sanctions.