Diplomats say big powers prepare resolution critical of Iran nuke program for IAEA meeting

Diplomats: big powers prepare Iran IAEA resolution

VIENNA — Diplomats say six world powers have prepared a resolution critical of Iran’s nuclear program for the next board meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

They say the draft calls on Iran to be more open about its program following its recent revelation that it had nearly completed a new uranium enrichment facility in secret.

The two diplomats say the draft urges Iran to stop stonewalling an IAEA probe of allegations it tried to develop nuclear weapons. It calls on Tehran to answer all outstanding questions on that enrichment facility and comply with U.N. Security Council demands that it suspend enrichment and further construction of the plant.

Iran said it was ready to exchange its low-enriched uranium with a higher enriched material, but only on its own soil, to guarantee the West follows through with promises to give the fuel.

The Iranian terms mean an effective rejection of a U.N.-brokered plan designed to delay its ability to build a nuclear weapon.

The diplomats familiar with the resolution spoke Tuesday, two days before the board meeting. They demanded anonymity because their information was confidential.

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Karimi reported from Tehran.