US, West Europeans differ on Iran's nukes

Among draft resolutions being drawn up is one by Britain, France and Germany that one diplomat described as a "strongly worded" demand that Iran continue acting on its stated intention to cooperate with the agency. The United States is hoping for something tougher, such as involvement by the UN Security Council.

An International Atomic Energy Agency report leaves no question that Iran covered up past nuclear programs, including enriching uranium and processing small amounts of plutonium. Washington says the report proves Tehran's intent to manufacture weapons.

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The document, prepared for a Nov. 20 meeting of the IAEA's board of governors, lists numerous nuclear cover-ups, some over decades, and says they effectively represent Iran's violations of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty by violating safeguards agreements that are part of that treaty.

IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei's report found "no evidence" Tehran tried to make atomic bombs, but said such efforts cannot be ruled out until Iran's previously covert activities are further examined.

The US administration wants Iran declared in violation of the treaty at next week's board meeting a move that would lead to UN Security Council involvement and possible sanctions.

But diplomats who follow the agency told The Associated Press that there is substantial opposition to such a harsh response, with even key US allies leaning toward a resolution that stops short of referring the issue to the Security Council. There is fear that Iran could renege on recent moves to work with the agency if slapped too hard, they said.

The British, French and German draft would urge Tehran to clear up suspicions arising from past covert activities and open current programs to thorough IAEA control. However, it stops short of declaring Iran in noncompliance, meaning the issue will not be kicked up to the Council, said one diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity.