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U.S. Warnings On Iran Spark Worry

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The Associated Press

Published: October 29, 2007

WASHINGTON - The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog said Sunday that he had no evidence Iran is working actively to build nuclear weapons and expressed concern that escalating rhetoric from the United States could bring disaster.

'We have information that there has been maybe some studies about possible weaponization,' said Mohamed ElBaradei, who leads the International Atomic Energy Agency. 'That's why we have said that we cannot give Iran a pass right now, because there is still a lot of question marks.

'But have we seen Iran having the nuclear material that can readily be used into a weapon? No. Have we seen an active weaponization program? No.'

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice accused Iran this month of 'lying' about the aim of its nuclear program. She said there is no doubt Tehran wants the capability to produce nuclear weapons and has deceived the IAEA about its intentions.
Vice President Dick Cheney has raised the prospect of 'serious consequences' if Iran were found to be developing a nuclear weapon. Last week, the Bush administration announced harsh penalties against the Iranian military and state-owned banking systems in hopes of raising pressure on the world financial system to cut ties with Tehran.

ElBaradei said he was worried about the growing rhetoric from the United States, which he noted focused on Iran's alleged intentions to build a nuclear weapon rather than evidence the country is doing so. If there is evidence, ElBaradei said he would welcome seeing it.

'I'm very much concerned about confrontation, building confrontation, because that would lead absolutely to a disaster. I see no military solution. The only durable solution is through negotiation and inspection,' he said.

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