Russia Angered By Iran Nuke Plans

Moscow's Ire Could Push Iran Closer To U.N. Security Council

(AP) 
The Russians interpreted that as a political signal that raised hopes of an easing of tensions a little more than two weeks before the 35-nation board of the International Atomic Energy Agency meets in Vienna Nov. 24 to consider possible Security Council referral.

But just hours later, the Iranian officials told the Russians that conversion had restarted, further eroding the Russian goodwill needed by Tehran to deflect the U.S. and European push for Security Council involvement, the diplomats said.

A European official speaking from outside Vienna said the reversal — coming soon after Russian Security Council head Igor Ivanov had briefed senior European Union officials about Iran's readiness to compromise — embarrassed and angered the Russians.

A man answering the phone at the Russian diplomatic mission in Vienna responsible for the IAEA said the head of the mission was not available for comment.

In an effort to blunt chances of referral to the Security Council — which could impose sanctions — Iran recently allowed IAEA inspectors to revisit the Parchin military site, about 20 miles southeast of Tehran.

Diplomats have told the AP that initial results of environmental samples from the site showed no trace of radiation. U.S. officials say the site may be part of Iran's nuclear arms research program but that further tests were needed before a conclusion could be reached.

But diplomats said Thursday that additional evidence found recently by the agency could increase suspicions about Iran's nuclear aims.

They said a report by IAEA head Mohamed ElBaradei to be presented to the Nov. 24 meeting will present new findings about "dual-use" equipment held by Iran — technology that can be used both for peaceful nuclear applications or in programs to make weapons.