Iran denies it limited UN nuclear watchdog access

Tehran’s envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency has denied reports that Iran has restricted the agency’s access to nuclear facilities in the country.

“The agency’s surveillance cameras and inspectors are continuing to monitor Iran’s nuclear program, especially in Natanz, without any interference or problem,” Ali-Asghar Soltaniyeh told IRNA on Saturday.

On Friday, reports surfaced that Iran is resisting IAEA attempts to increase surveillance of uranium enrichment plant in Natanz, central Iran.

The move was meant to keep in pace with the plant’s increased size and complexity, diplomats demanding anonymity told the Associated Press.

“It is really difficult for them to figure out what’s happening, given the mix of different things going on,” said one of the diplomats.

The report also echoed a similar report by a German magazine which had said Iran was capable of producing an atomic bomb within six months.

Germany’s foreign intelligence agency (BND), however, denied that its experts estimated that Iran could make a nuclear bomb within a six-month period; as reported in the German weekly Stern.

The reports come as Iran’s newly appointed nuclear chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, has expressed hopes that the West will make more efforts to end what he called “the last six years of hostility.”

“We will enter the scene with a fresh perspective … The Atomic Energy Organization will respect its international commitments as much as it will defend Iran’s nuclear rights,” he added.

Western powers accuse Tehran of secretly enriching weapons-grade uranium. Tehran asserts that its uranium enrichment is a peaceful drive to produce electricity.

Incoming IAEA Chief Yukiya Amano said last week that there is no conclusive evidence to prove that Tehran is enriching weapons-grade uranium.