Iran Promises Increased Cooperation with UN Nuclear Inspectors

Iran has pledged to actively cooperate with United Nations nuclear inspectors to address concerns regarding the potential development of nuclear weapons by Tehran. Gholamreza Aghazadeh, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, stated on Saturday that Iran will enhance its cooperation with UN nuclear inspectors. He also expressed optimism that Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would reach necessary agreements for unannounced inspections requested by UN officials. However, Iranian officials continue to refuse permission for environmental testing at the Kolaeh power plant in Tehran, arguing that since this facility is non-nuclear, such a request is illegal and unacceptable. On Friday, the IAEA emphasized to Iran the need to allow access to the Kolaeh complex to prove the absence of nuclear weapons programs. Earlier this month, weapons inspectors had requested to conduct environmental testing at the Kolaeh plant, but they were denied access. A senior U.S. official stated on Friday that the Bush administration has not ruled out military operations against Iran to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.