U.S. Accuses Iran of Intimidation on Nuclear Issue

U.S. Accuses Iran of Intimidation on Nuclear Issue

Thu May 27, 2004 03:51 PM ET


By Carol Giacomo, Diplomatic Correspondent

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Thursday accused Iran of intimidation with its threats to stop cooperating with the international community if the U.N. atomic watchdog agency persists in pressuring Tehran on its nuclear program.

But U.S. and European officials told Reuters that Iran, unwilling to risk diplomatic isolation, was unlikely to follow through.

Iran is waging an aggressive multi-pronged offensive -- including threats to resume uranium enrichment and halt snap inspections of its nuclear sites -- to persuade next month's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board meeting to end an inquiry on its nuclear activities.

The offensive also includes Iranian threats to deny some imports from Australia, which has joined the United States in demanding complete answers about the Islamic republic's nuclear intentions, said one U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=JGKOK2LVRBOQYCRBAEOCFEY?type=worldNews&storyID=5278607

after all, it's why we've got so many.

The pot reiterated his earlier statement that the kettle is indeed black.

to know one.