Iran Suspends Nuclear Enrichment Programme

11/11/2003| IslamWeb

Iran has taken further steps to defuse a row over its nuclear ambitions. During a visit to Moscow, the head of the Supreme National Security Council announced that Tehran's uranium enrichment programme had been suspended. The UN's nuclear watchdog has also been given the green light to carry out more rigorous inspections of Iranian facilities. The news was welcomed by President Vladimir Putin who said there were now no obstacles stopping Russia from working with Tehran in the nuclear domain. The US has urged Moscow to freeze its multi-million euro deal to help build Tehran's first nuclear power reactor, saying it could help Iran develop nuclear weapons. Tehran denies charges it is using its atomic energy programme as a front for developing a nuclear warhead. **PHOTO CAPTION*** Iranian President Mohammad Khatami. (AFP/Yoshikazu Tsuno)