Israel warns of Iran nuclear aims after IAEA ends weapons probe

Israel on Tuesday warned "serious doubts" still surround Iran's nuclear programme, after the UN atomic watchdog's board decided to end a probe into Tehran's past efforts to develop nuclear weapons.

The International Atomic Energy Agency's resolution, approved by its board of governors, comes despite a December 2 IAEA report that concluded Iran had conducted "a range of activities relevant to the development" of a nuclear bomb until 2009.

"The IAEA report clearly indicates once again that Iran has conducted a coordinated effort to develop a nuclear explosive device, including activities taking place after 2003," the Israeli foreign ministry said.

"For over a decade, Iran has been non-cooperative and deceptive," a ministry statement read. "Serious doubts and outstanding issues regarding Iran's programme still remain."

"Iran is still required to cooperate fully and in a satisfying manner with the agency in order to resolve all outstanding issues and verify the peaceful nature of Iran's programme," it added.

Tuesday's IAEA decision removes an important obstacle to implementing July's landmark deal with world powers on scaling down Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

Israel has been at the forefront of opposition to the July deal, arguing that it would not block its regional rival's path to atomic weapons.

The Jewish state also argues that lifting sanctions under the deal will allow the Islamic republic to further support and arm proxy militants in the region.
Source: AFP