Iran conducted work “relevant” to developing nuclear weapons at least until late 2003, the United Nation (UN) watchdog said Wednesday, but it added there was no evidence such activities continued beyond 2009.
The long-awaited findings come five months after Tehran and six world powers agreed a landmark deal to end the standoff over Iran’s atomic programme.
“The agency assesses that a range of activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device were conducted in Iran prior to the end of 2003 as a coordinated effort, and some activities took place after 2003,” the International Atomic Energy Agency said in a report concluding a lengthy probe.
It stressed though that “these activities did not advance beyond feasibility and scientific studies, and the acquisition of certain relevant technical competences and capabilities” and that there were “no credible indications” of any suspect activity after 2009.
The restricted report, seen by AFP, also said that the IAEA found “no credible evidence of the diversion of nuclear material” such as enriched uranium or plutonium towards such activities.
The IAEA has long suspected that such work — known as the “possible military dimensions” (PMD) of Iran’s civilian nuclear programme — may have taken place, and Tehran has for years rejected the accusations out of hand.
Under the deal agreed with major powers in July, Iran will drastically scale back its civilian nuclear programme in exchange for relief from international sanctions, which are expected to be lifted in early 2016.
