Roundup: UN nuclear watchdog probably not to give "yes or no" answer to alleged Iranian atomic weapon program

The United Nations (UN) nuclear agency said it could probably not provide the answer as to whether the alleged Iranian nuclear bomb research plan cited in the UN's former report is credible or not, the agency chief told reporters on Thursday.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is expected to issue its final assessment of Iran's disputed nuclear program next week. However, there is no clear "yes or no" answer to the key point, the so-called possible military dimensions (PMDs) of Tehran's alleged secret nuclear weapon plan, which was cited in the agency's November 2011 report, given it is a "complex issue."

Speaking to reporters, agency chief Yukiya Amano refused to go into details of the assessment.

The IAEA's November 2011 report said that based on credible information the agency obtained, Tehran might have covertly carried out nuclear research on atomic bombs for years, citing 12 areas of the alleged plan. However, Iran has always denied the allegation, stressing the information IAEA got was forged and misleading.

Iran and major world powers signed a historic nuclear deal in July, which demanded Iran significantly scale back its atomic plan in order to address Western states' concern of the alleged nuclear bomb program. In return, Western states would relieve relevant sanctions imposed on the nation.

To fulfill the commitment, Iran was also asked to resolve the PMD issue in cooperation with the IAEA. The IAEA said the process had been going well until now, meeting the timetable set by both sides.

The PMD issue is seen as the most sensitive point in the decade-old dispute regarding Tehran's nuclear program, which Tehran insists is peaceful but Western states believe couches a hidden nuclear ambition. Endit