UN Sends International Atomic Energy Agency To Inspect Iran's Nuclear Programme

As tensions rise between Iran and the West with sanctions against Iran's oil industry being put in place by the US and European countries, UN nuclear inspectors have arrived in Tehran. Their task is to check out claims from the West that Iran's nuclear programme is not purely to make energy but could be military.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expect full and open access to Iran's nuclear facilities and lead scientists. They need to confirm Iran's claims that the programme does not include the production of nuclear weapons.

Iran are welcoming the visit feeling that it will stop once and for all the 'rumours' being spread by the West that its nuclear programme is not only a civilian operation. Iran's ambassador to the IAEA, Ali Asgar Soltaniyeh called these rumours "enemy plots"

Iran has reacted to the sanctions put in place by the West by threatening to close completely he Strait of Hormuz. This would effectively block the main route for oil tankers through the Gulf back to the West. The US has threatened to use force to open the Straight should Iran block it.

In November the IAEA issued a report which outlined grave concerns over Iran's nuclear programme. It is hoped that this new inspection will result in Iran being able to satisfy the IAEA inspectors that all is well and that tensions, including a real fear that war could be in the air, will be lessened.