Iran refuses to halt uranium enrichment

Iran continues to enrich uranium in defiance of a UN Security Council ultimatum, a nuclear watchdog said today.
In a report to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s board of governors, UN nuclear chief Mohamed ElBaradei said: “Iran has not suspended its enrichment related activities,” and was continuing a variety of enrichment activities.

The conclusion, while widely expected, was important because it could serve as the trigger for the Security Council to start deliberating on new sanctions meant to punish Tehran for its nuclear intransigence.