UN Nuke Watchdog Chief Expresses Concern About Anti-Iran Rhetoric

Associated Press:

The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog said Sunday he had no evidence Iran was working actively to build nuclear weapons, and he 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 Baradei..."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."

U.S. 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.

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