Tehran Must Accept Unconditional UN Nuclear Inspections - 2003-06-04

Tony Blair, the Prime Minister of the UK, says that Russia has promised to halt the delivery of nuclear fuel to Iran as long as Iran does not comply with the regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which is affiliated with the United Nations. Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, made this promise at the summit of the leaders of the seven major industrial countries and Russia in Evian, France. The British leader mentioned this point upon his return to London in a report he gave to the British Parliament. The Russian leader stated yesterday that Moscow would continue nuclear cooperation with Iran provided that Iran's nuclear activities are subjected to stricter international control. Mr. Putin added that the IAEA must play a more decisive role in ensuring the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. The leaders of the G8 countries stated that Tehran must accept unconditional UN nuclear inspections. The Iranian government, which often dismisses concerns about Iran's production of nuclear weapons, claims that Iran's nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes. Iranian officials also state that Iran's nuclear program has previously been under the supervision of the IAEA. The United States says that no country should assist Iran in carrying out its nuclear plans unless Iran complies with the IAEA regulations.