United States warns Iran on nuclear research

The United States warned &to=http://english.pravda.ru/main/2002/12/11/40695.html' target=_blank>Iran against pursuing new nuclear research Tuesday, rejecting assurances that the work is not a cover for a secret drive to build a nuclear bomb.

Iran told the U.N. nuclear watchdog on Tuesday it planned to resume nuclear fuel research after a 2 1/2-year hiatus, a vague declaration that was taken in the West as fresh evidence Tehran was trying to build an atomic weapon.

"We strongly oppose Iran proceeding with any further enrichment-related activities," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said.

"Our view is that if Iran takes any further enrichment-related steps, the international community will have to consider additional measures to constrain Iran's nuclear ambitions," McCormack said.

McCormack would not specify what action the United States would like to see, but reiterated the U.S. view that Iran will eventually be hauled before the U.N. Security Council if it will not back down. The council can impose harsh economic sanctions.