Kim Sengupta: Iran to Avoid Sanctions Over Nuclear Work

The much-awaited resolution by the UN's atomic watchdog will not propose tougher sanctions against the Iranian regime, despite its report claiming that the country may be trying to acquire a nuclear arsenal. After lengthy discussions and pressure from Russia and China, the document, due to be made public today, avoids calling for punitive measures, while expressing "deep and increasing concern" over Iran's atomic work. The 35-nation board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not set a deadline for inspectors to be allowed access to the program Tehran is alleged to be carrying out in secret towards developing the bomb. And there are no plans, at present, to refer the matter to the UN Security Council for further action. Britain is expected to set out its position after the presentation of the resolution. Foreign Secretary William Hague had told the Commons that there may be unilateral strengthening of sanctions, but it remains unclear when these will be introduced. The Israeli administration, which has threatened military strikes against Iranian nuclear installations, said it expected the resolution to be far weaker than it considers necessary. Defense Minister Ehud Barak said: "I'm not very optimistic - there are difficulties in mobilizing will in the world. That's why we're working to convince foreign leaders to impose strong and concrete sanctions to stop Iran. We should not appear to be the country that whines, that is afraid, but simply stress that Iran has launched a challenge to the whole world, and the world must move. No option should be taken off the table, which is also the position of the Europeans and Americans, but I think I should not say anything more at this stage."