Iran agrees to snap nuclear checks
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Iran says its nuclear facility at Arak, shown in this satellite photo, is for peaceful uses only.
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VIENNA, Austria -- Iran has signed a key accord that allows the U.N. nuclear watchdog to make snap inspections of the country's atomic weapons facilities.
The Non-Proliferation Treaty protocol was signed by Ali Akbar Salehi, the country's representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency at its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, said IAEA spokesman Mark Gwozdecky.
The ceremony was witnessed by IAEA director general Mohamed ElBaradei, who has pushed for more inspection powers. Tehran had announced in November its intention to sign the protocol.
The document must still be ratified by Iran's parliament.
The agreement, which becomes part of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, requires Iran to submit to intrusive and unannounced U.N. inspections of its nuclear complexes and research facilities.
In October, Iran agreed to allow tougher U.N. inspections of its nuclear facilities and suspend its uranium enrichment program.
But the United States had insisted that the words be backed by action amid concern Tehran might be developing nuclear arms.
In November, the IAEA approved a resolution condemning Iran for secret nuclear activities. It sent what the agency chief called a "serious and ominous message" to Iran that future breaches "will not be tolerated."
The United States hammered out the resolution with Britain, acting on behalf of France and Germany.
The resolution notes Iran's past breaches of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and calls on Tehran to cooperate with the U.N. nuclear watchdog.
It also welcomes Iran's recent offer "of active cooperation and openness."
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Associated Press contributed to this report.
