Iran addresses nuclear bomb allegations

A report from the UN atomic watchdog says Iran has for the first time engaged in talks about possible military dimensions of its nuclear program.

Iran nuclear

(File: AAP)

Iran has for the first time addressed concerns about the so-called "possible military dimensions" of its nuclear program, a new IAEA report shows.

Tehran provided the UN atomic watchdog with information related to detonators that can be used for a nuclear weapon under a key November interim nuclear deal, the quarterly report, seen by AFP, showed on Friday.

In technical meetings in late April and earlier his week in Tehran, Iran provided "information and explanations, including showing documents, to substantiate its stated need and application of EBW (Explosive Bridge Wire detonators)," the report by IAEA director-general Yukiya Amano for member states, said.

"Iran showed information to the agency that simultaneous firing of EBW (Explosive Bridge Wire detonators) was tested for a civilian application," it went on.

"This is the first time that Iran has engaged in a technical exchange with the agency on this or any other of the outstanding issues related to possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear programme since 2008."

The EBW issue was part of seven "practical measures" Iran agreed with world powers under a key November interim deal and due to be fulfilled by May 15.

Under the deal Iran agreed to roll back its nuclear programme to make it virtually impossible to make an atomic bomb in exchange for some relief from international sanctions.


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Source: AAP



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