VIENNA: The global threat posed by Iran's suspect nuclear program is "hyped" because there's no hard proof that Tehran has an ongoing effort to
build an atomic weapon, the head of the UN nuclear agency asserts in a magazine interview.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, published by a group of prominent scientists, quotes International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei as saying there is still cause for concern - just not panic.
"We have not seen concrete evidence that Tehran has an ongoing nuclear weapons program," the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize laureate was quoted as saying for the Bulletin's September/October issue.
"But somehow, many people are talking about how Iran's nuclear program is the greatest threat to the world," added ElBaradei, whose Vienna-based agency long has played a key role itself in raising international concern about Iran's intentions.
"In many ways, I think the threat has been hyped. Yes, there's concern about Iran's future intentions and Iran needs to be more transparent with the IAEA and the international community ... But the idea that we'll wake up tomorrow and Iran will have a nuclear weapon is an idea that isn't supported by the facts as we have seen them so far."
Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful and geared solely toward generating electricity. The US and key allies contend it is covertly trying to build a nuclear weapon.
UN nuclear watchdog says Iran threat 'hyped' - Europe - World - NEWS - The Times of India
build an atomic weapon, the head of the UN nuclear agency asserts in a magazine interview.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, published by a group of prominent scientists, quotes International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei as saying there is still cause for concern - just not panic.
"We have not seen concrete evidence that Tehran has an ongoing nuclear weapons program," the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize laureate was quoted as saying for the Bulletin's September/October issue.
"But somehow, many people are talking about how Iran's nuclear program is the greatest threat to the world," added ElBaradei, whose Vienna-based agency long has played a key role itself in raising international concern about Iran's intentions.
"In many ways, I think the threat has been hyped. Yes, there's concern about Iran's future intentions and Iran needs to be more transparent with the IAEA and the international community ... But the idea that we'll wake up tomorrow and Iran will have a nuclear weapon is an idea that isn't supported by the facts as we have seen them so far."
Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful and geared solely toward generating electricity. The US and key allies contend it is covertly trying to build a nuclear weapon.
UN nuclear watchdog says Iran threat 'hyped' - Europe - World - NEWS - The Times of India
