Special report: Iran Nuclear Crisis

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Mohammed ElBaradei briefs the media before a board of governors meeting at Vienna's U.N. headquarters September 11, 2006. (Xinhua/Reuters File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, May 24 -- The UN's nuclear watchdog says Iran has expanded its uranium enrichment activities in clear defiance of Security Council demands that it scrap its program.

    The report could lead to tougher sanctions against Iran. But Iran is standing its ground saying there's nothing new in this report.

    The IAEA report says Iran has expanded its uranium enrichment program.

    It also blames Tehran for blocking IAEA efforts to probe suspicious nuclear activities. The UN's Nuclear Watchdog says it can provide no clear assurances about the peaceful nature of Iran's atomic program.

    The IAEA also says it's concerned that lack of access means they're understanding even less about certain aspects of the program.

    Britain has said it does want better ties with Tehran. But the United States has also stressed that Iran's refusal to cooperate could force the need for additional measures.

    Emyr Jones Parry, UK ambassador to the UN, said, "We expect Iran to meet its obligations; we want a new, improved, better relationship with Iran, but that requires Iran to meet the conditions established by the Security Council."

    Zalmay Khalilzad, US ambassador to the UN , said, "What we've done so far, the pressure so far, has not produced the results that we all have been hoping for and the time has come to take a look at additional pressure, to ratchet up the pressure."

    The council's next deadline for Iranian compliance expires on Thursday. And continued defiance could mean new rounds of UN consultations on fresh penalties.

    Iran has already dismissed the reports saying it's devoid of any new points. It's insisting it has not blocked IAEA inspections, and that it has given inspectors adequate access to the country's nuclear facilities.

    (Source: cctv.com)