Iran battles to escape UN action

TEHRAN: Iran battled on Sunday to head off international action following its refusal to halt its disputed nuclear drive, promising "maximum cooperation" if it manages to avoid the UN Security Council.

Foreign ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi nevertheless warned that any step towards sanctions would meet with tough retaliation from the Islamic republic, which is supected of using an atomic energy drive as a cover for weapons development.

"We have said that we are ready to solve the questions through dialogue. If the IAEA and the Security Council commit for the case to remain at the IAEA, we are ready for maximum cooperation," Asefi told reporters.

"But if they take radical measures, we will take measures as a consequence. If their decisions are reasonable, ours will be too. If their decisions are radical, ours will be too," he warned.

On Friday the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed Iran had not complied with a Security Council demand to freeze enrichment -- which makes civilian reactor fuel but can also be extended to make the explosive core of an atom bomb.

The United States and European powers are now poised to seek a Security Council resolution legally obliging Iran to halt the work. Unlike the IAEA, the Security Council has enforcement powers and its involvement in the crisis could pave the way for sanctions or even military action.