Iran has warned that it may halt snap inspections of its nuclear sites if the International Atomic Energy Agency does not acknowledge Tehran's cooperation with the U.N. body. President Mohammad Khatami told reporters in Tehran Thursday that the decision the IAEA makes at its board meeting next month will influence Iran's next steps. The IAEA board of governors could find Tehran not in compliance with U.N. demands and decide to refer the matter to the U.N. Security Council for sanctions.

Mr. Khatami said if the U.N. agency does not recognize Iran's goodwill and cooperation, his country will adopt what he called "new methods."

Mr. Khatami did not elaborate, but indicated that Tehran could halt snap inspections of its nuclear sites or resume enrichment of uranium.

Diplomats say that in recent weeks Iran has not fully cooperated with the U.N. agency and that inspectors were denied access to some military sites in the country.

Mr. Khatami acknowledged that some sensitive military sites have been off-limits for U.N. inspections

Iran argues that its signing of an additional protocol to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and opening of relevant sites for snap inspections should end all questions about its nuclear program, which Iran insists is entirely for peaceful purposes.

The United States says Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons under the guise of peaceful use of atomic energy - a charge Iran strongly denies.

... Payvand News - 5/27/04 ... --