(dpa) - Allegations over weaponization aspects of Iran's nuclear programme and an intensified drive for UN sanctions against Tehran are bound to overshadow the UN nuclear watchdog's board of governors meeting starting on Monday.
The 35-nation board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is set to discuss the latest report by Director General Mohamed ElBaradei which details the progress of the IAEA's investigation into Iran's nuclear past.
In its February 22 report, the IAEA said that answers provided by Iran were "not inconsistent with its findings" but warned that alleged weaponization studies, including high explosives testing, green salt - a uranium conversion project, and design of a missile re-entry vehicle, "remained a matter of grave concern."
European diplomats in Vienna said they were planning to table a resolution against Iran at the meeting, the first since the board reported Iran's case to the UN Security Council two years ago for violations of its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The move was triggered by Iran's dismissal of documentation presented by the IAEA and indicating that Iran conducted research into weapons-related technology.
In a technical briefing on Monday, IAEA board members were shown intelligence, including an Iranian-made video of designs for a missile re-entry vehicle, that was most likely designed to hold a nuclear warhead, diplomats present at the meeting said.
The board is deeply divided over the issue, with western nations slamming Iran's cooperation as "evasive" and "inadequate", while Iran has dismissed the weaponization documentation as "fabricated" and "baseless allegations," refusing to discuss the matter any further with IAEA inspectors.
The IAEA confirmed that Iran not only continued to ignore UN Security Council resolutions calling for a freeze of its uranium enrichment drive, but forged ahead, testing an advanced generation of centrifuges for enrichment.
Iran hailed the report as a victory for Tehran, saying it removed all ambiguities over its programme and showed its peaceful nature.
A final decision on the IAEA resolution will depend on developments at the UN Security Council, which is set to vote on a third sanctions resolution on Iran as early as Saturday.
A draft, foreseeing a stricter travel ban for persons involved n Iran's nuclear programme as well as a tightening of economic sanctions, was already agreed on by the council's five permanent veto-wielding members France, Britain, China, Russia and the United States, as well as Germany.
Council members South Africa, Libya, Indonesia and Vietnam however expressed reservations against the resolution, delaying the adoption, originally planned for Wednesday.
The Iran issue is set to overshadow other topics on the board's agenda - a discussion of the applications of IAEA safeguards in North Korea and reports on nuclear safety as well as the IAEA's work in promoting nuclear science and applications.