US regrets Iranian response to inspectors

Feb 22, 2012, 23:00 GMT

Washington - The United States expressed regret Wednesday over Iran's refusal to cooperate with an International Atomic Energy Agency delegation seeking to clarify suspicions of a covert atomic weapons programme.

'We regret the failure of Iran to reach an agreement this week with the (IAEA) that would permit the agency to fully investigate the serious allegations raised in its November report,' White House spokesman Jay Carney said.

The IAEA officials were again denied access to the Parchin military site near Tehran, where the agency suspects a nuclear warhead explosion was simulated. The IAEA team failed to agree with Iranian officials on a third visit.

'Unfortunately this is another demonstration of Iran's refusal to abide by its international obligations,' Carney said, noting that the US would continue to consult with the other countries working to pressure Iran on its nuclear efforts about the possibility of renewing talks.

'But this particular action by Iran suggests that they have not changed their behavior when it comes to abiding by their international obligations.'

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