Javed Vaeidi, deputy head of Iran's National Security Council, delivers a media statemet at Vienna's International Center on Feb. 4.

Tehran responded by announcing that it would restart efforts to enrich uranium, a procedure that could provide fuel for nuclear weapons as well as power plants.

The decision by the International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-nation board sets the stage for action by the top U.N. body that could include economic and political sanctions.

Any such moves are weeks if not months away, with two permanent council members -- Russia and China -- agreeing to referral only on condition that no council action be taken until at least March.

A European resolution supported by the United States calling for referral was backed by 27 nations at the meeting.

Only three nations -- Cuba, Syria and Venezuela -- voted against. Five others -- Algeria, Belarus, Indonesia, Libya and South Africa -- abstained.

Reacting to the referral, Javed Vaeidi, the deputy head of Iran's powerful Security Council, said his country would "immediately" retaliate.

He said that after approval by the Iranian National Security Council, Iran would stop honoring an agreement allowing IAEA inspectors broad powers to monitor and probe Tehran's nuclear activities, and would start work on full-scale uranium enrichment, which can produce the fissile material for nuclear warheads.

The Japan Times Weekly: Sept. 11, 2006
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