Iran To Reject U.N. Nuke Resolution

(AP)  An Iranian state radio commentary said Saturday that Tehran would reject a proposed U.N. resolution that calls for it to suspend uranium enrichment by the end of August or face the threat of international sanctions.

"Iranians will not accept unfair decisions, even in the framework of resolutions by the international bodies," the state-run radio said.

The comment came in the absence of any official reaction to the draft that was formally circulated to the full 15-member council late Friday and will likely be adopted this week. However, state radio is often considered an official reaction in Iran.

The radio said the draft might not be approved due to China wanting the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, to decide the issue.

"Ultimatum and deadline cannot be acceptable to us," the commentary said, accusing the United States and its allies of making what it called an illegal demand.

Tehran said last week it would reply Aug. 22 to a Western incentive package, but the council decided to go ahead with a resolution and not wait for Iran's response.

The package includes economic incentives and a provision for the United States to offer Iran some nuclear technology, lift some sanctions and join direct negotiations. The proposal also calls for Iran to impose a long-term moratorium on uranium enrichment, which can produce peaceful reactor fuel or fissile bomb material.

The U.S. and some of its allies accuse Iran of seeking to produce highly enriched uranium and plutonium for nuclear weapons. Tehran maintains its nuclear program is purely peaceful and aimed at generating electricity.

Iran has said it will never give up its right under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty to enrich uranium and produce nuclear fuel but has indicated it may temporarily suspend large-scale activities to ease tensions.