Israel slams IAEA for 'failing to expose' Iran ambitions

JERUSALEM (AFP) - Israel slammed the United Nations nuclear watchdog on Friday for failing to expose what it insisted was Iran's drive to acquire an atomic bomb in a key report on its archfoe's nuclear programme.

The International Atomic Energy Agency report on Thursday said Iran has made some progress in revealing the extent of its nuclear programme, but that it is still defying UN demands to suspend its controversial uranium enrichment.

"The report fails to expose (Iranian President Mahmoud) Ahmadinejad's intentions that are well known to the IAEA and its chief Mohamed ElBaradei," Deputy Foreign Minister Majalli Whbee told AFP.

Israel and the West fear that Iran's nuclear programme is cover for a drive to develop the bomb, but Tehran insists it is solely for peaceful ends.

In a statement, the Israeli foreign ministry said the report "confirms that Iran is committing an ongoing violation of the Security Council resolutions and continues to advance its nuclear programme." More...