US warns Iran over reduced co-operation with IAEA

WASHINGTON: The United States has warned Iran against heading into a "downward spiral" of non-cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog after Tehran's parliament authorised the government to limit the agency's access to its atomic sites.

The State Department said Iran was already in violation of UN Security Council resolutions requiring it to suspend its enrichment of uranium, a practice many fear is a cover for developing nuclear weapons.

"We assume further reductions in Iran's already insufficient cooperation would likely lead to additional IAEA reports of additional Iranian non-compliance," spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos said, referring to the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency.

"It's hard to see how such a downward spiral is in the interests of the Iranian people," he said.

"We hope, therefore, that the Iranian regime will set aside threats and confrontation and begin immediately the cooperation the Security Council has made a requirement," he said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Iran's parliament approved a bill obliging the government to "revise its cooperation" with the UN nuclear watchdog in retaliation for Security Council sanctions imposed on Tehran.

The text of the bill, which also tells the government to "accelerate" Iran's controversial nuclear programme, was approved by an overwhelming majority in the conservative-controlled parliament, with 161 in favour and 15 against.