The U.N. atomic watchdog agency has adopted a compromise resolution demanding that Iran immediately halt its uranium enrichment program, but sparing Tehran the possibility of immediate Security Council-imposed sanctions.
The resolution adopted Saturday, by the International Atomic Energy Agency's board of governors also sets a November 25 deadline for a full and definitive review of Iran's nuclear activities.
Security Council sanctions still remain a possibility, however, if the board decides at its next meeting in November that "further steps are appropriate" depending on Iran's level of compliance.
The United States and other countries have accused Iran of conducting a covert nuclear weapons program, but Tehran says its pursuit of nuclear power is strictly limited to civilian uses.