News / Middle East

Iran Denounces IAEA Comments on Nuclear Program

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaks with media, during his press conference in Tehran, Iran, June 7, 2011.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaks with media, during his press conference in Tehran, Iran, June 7, 2011.
TEXT SIZE - +

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says a report from the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog agency that says Tehran may have carried out nuclear work with possible military purposes "lacks legal credibility."

He said comments made Monday by the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would have no bearing on Iran's nuclear activities.

The Iranian president spoke Tuesday during a Tehran news conference that covered a broad range of regional developments.

IAEA chief Yukiya Amano also criticized Iran for not cooperating with international nuclear experts.  His speech in Vienna came at the start of a weeklong board meeting on nuclear developments.

Western nations say Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian energy program. Tehran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

In his news conference, Ahmadinejad also cautioned the United States against intervening in Syria's anti-government unrest, saying the Syrian government is capable of solving its own problems. He also accused the U.S. of meddling in anti-government unrest in Bahrain. a charge Washington has denied.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

You May Like

Karzai to Discuss Enhancing Defense Ties with India

Afghanistan looking for more military aid as it prepares for withdrawal of NATO forces by next year More

India, China Pledge to Overcome Border Tensions

Indian prime minister and Chinese premier attempt to move past tense standoff in the Himalayas during Delhi talks More

Burmese President Opens US Visit with VOA Town Hall Meeting

Ahead of his meeting with President Obama Monday, Thein Sein answered questions on human rights and economic development in his country More

This forum has been closed.
Comments
     
There are no comments in this forum. Be first and add one

Featured Videos

Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.
Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.
Video

Video US Oil Surge Could Impact Mideast Geopolitics

The United States will account for a third of new oil supplies over the next five years, and will become energy self-sufficient in 20 years, according to a new report by the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA). Although U.S. oil imports from Arab Gulf countries increased last year, analysts predict the U.S. will lose its dependence on Middle East imports, which is expected to have a huge impact on international relations and the balance of power. VOA's Henry Ridgewell reports.