The Bush administration is scrutinizing intercepted telephone conversations that International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed El-Baradei had with Iranian diplomats in search of ammunition to oust him from his post, The Washington Post reported yesterday. The newspaper said it showed the lengths to which some in the administration are going to try to replace a top international diplomat who questioned Washington's actions in Iraq and on the Iran nuclear issue. The report, sourced to three unnamed US government officials, said the intercepts had produced no evidence of nefarious conduct by El-Baradei. However, it said some within the administration believe the conversations show El-Baradei, the director general at the United Nation's nuclear watchdog agency, lacks impartiality because he tried to help Iran to navigate a diplomatic crisis over its nuclear programmes. Others say the transcripts exhibit standard telephone diplomacy, the Post said. A CIA spokesperson declined to comment on the Washington Post's account, as did a spokeswoman for the US State Department. **PHOTO CAPTION*** Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohamed El Baradei speaks during a press conference, on Monday, Nov. 29, 2004 at Vienna's International Center. (AP)