Iran violates treaty, refuses UN inspectors…well, not really

One of many stories from AP that an has refused access to IAEA weapons inspectors at it’s Natanz uranium enrichment plant. The anonymous diplomatic sources are unclear about whether there really was obstruction or not, but the headlines are worldwide. UPDATE Sept 15: see here, the IAEA describes this US report as ‘dishonest and outrageous’

Diplomats Say Iran Refusing U.N. Inspectors Access to Nuclear Site,

Apparent Treaty Violation

ABC news

VIENNA, Austria Aug 21, 2006 (AP)— Iran has turned away U.N. inspectors wanting to examine its underground nuclear site in an apparent violation of the Nonproliferation Treaty, diplomats and U.N. officials said Monday.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the confidentiality of the information, told The Associated Press that Iran’s unprecedented refusal to allow access to the facility at Natanz could seriously hamper international efforts to ensure that Tehran is not trying to make nuclear weapons.

The revelation came on the eve of Iran’s self-imposed Aug. 22 deadline to respond to a Western incentives package for it to roll back its disputed nuclear program. The United Nations has given Tehran until the end of August to suspend uranium enrichment.

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