The report examined evidence submitted by the United States on Feb. 15
that stemmed from the laptop of an Iranian technician with access to
Teheran's nuclear program. The documents presented to the agency included
reports of Iranian tests to fire multiple detonators simultaneously in a
10-kilometer shaft 400 meters underground.
The agency said some of the documents were "relevant to nuclear weapon
R&D [research and development.]" But the report did not deem any of the
evidence as proof of an Iranian nuclear weapons program.
"I should however add that in connection with the weaponization studies,
we have not seen any indication that these studies were linked to nuclear
material," IAEA director-general Mohammed El Baradei said. "So that gives us
some satisfaction, but the issue is still critical for us to be able to come
to a determination as to the nature of Iran's nuclear program."
At the same time, IAEA expressed satisfaction with Iranian cooperation.
The report said Teheran, which continues to enrich uranium, has answered
several questions submitted years ago by the United Nations agency.
"In the last four months, in particular, we have made quite good
progress in clarifying the outstanding issues that had to do with Iran's
past nuclear activities, with the exception of one issue, and that is the
alleged weaponization studies that supposedly Iran has conducted in the
past," El Baradei said. "We have managed to clarify all the remaining
outstanding issues, including the most important issue, which is the scope
and nature of Iran's enrichment program."
The report was issued as the United States plans to host the permanent
members of the UN Security Council to discuss Iran's nuclear program.
Representatives from Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia were
scheduled to arrive in Washington on Feb. 25.
El Baradei said Iran has provided agency inspectors with access to many
alleged nuclear sites. He again called on Teheran to sign the so-called
Additional Protocol of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which allows
for spot inspections by IAEA.
"Definitely the agency will continue to do as much as we can to make
sure that we also contribute to the confidence-building process with regard
to the past and present nuclear activities in Iran, but naturally, we can
not provide assurance about future intentions," El Baradei said. "That is
inherently a diplomatic process that needs the engagement of all the
parties."