Iran signs protocol on snap UN nuclear inspections

Iran signed an agreement yesterday allowing the UN nuclear watchdog to conduct snap inspections across its territory, which Tehran said should prove it is not secretly developing atomic weapons.

The signature to the Additional Protocol to the 1968 nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) comes nearly 18 months after an exiled Iranian opposition group sparked an international crisis by saying Tehran was hiding several large nuclear facilities. The allegations proved to be true.

Iran's outgoing ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ali Akbar Salehi, signed the document for Tehran, which he said was clear proof his country wanted to open every inch of its nuclear programme to international scrutiny.

He told reporters at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna Iran would "not leave any stone unturned to reveal its full transparency and establish the confidence that is needed."

In a clear jab at Washington, which accuses Iran of secretly developing an atom bomb, Salehi added: "I ardently hope the new age is set and my country shall no more be subject to unfair and politically motivated accusations and allegations."

IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei, who signed the document on behalf of the UN agency, said Iran's signature would help boost confidence that its nuclear ambitions were peaceful. But he urged Tehran to ratify the protocol as soon as possible.

"I was assured that Iran, until the protocol is ratified, will act as if the protocol is in force," ElBaradei said.