Global nuclear watchdog IAEA ends Iran 'weapons' probe


The global nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, has closed a 12-year-long investigation into the possible military dimensions (PMD) of Iran's nuclear activities.

The move is seen as a key step towards lifting UN sanctions.

The IAEA concluded Iran conducted nuclear weapons-related research until 2003 and to a lesser extent until 2009, but found no evidence of this since.

The lifting of sanctions, agreed in a July deal with world powers, hinged on the IAEA's findings on the PMD issue.

Iran has strongly denied pursuing a clandestine nuclear weapons programme.
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif welcomed Tuesday's announcement by the IAEA.

"The resolution by the board of governors of the agency... shows the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme," the semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted him as saying.

The BBC's Bethany Bell in Vienna say sanctions against Iran could be lifted as early as the middle of January.


SOURCE: BBC News