IAEA: Iran worked on nuclear arms

             Iran has worked on developing a nuclear weapon design and other research and testing relevant for such arms, the UN atomic agency said in its most detailed report to date pointing to military dimensions to Tehran's nuclear program. The International Atomic Energy Agency document, which has been preceded by media speculation of military strikes against Iranian nuclear sites, detailed new evidence suggesting efforts to develop a nuclear arms capability. Some of the activities may still be going on, it said. "The agency has serious concerns regarding possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear program," the IAEA said in the report, which included a 13-page annex with key technical descriptions of research. Citing "credible" information, the Vienna-based agency said the data "indicates that Iran has carried out activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device." It added: "The information also indicates that prior to the end of 2003, these activities took place under a structured programme, and that some activities may still be ongoing. The report also stated that Iran has benefited from the help "of a clandestine nuclear network," corresponding to news that a Russian scientist and Pakistani experts have lent a hand to Tehran. Meanwhile, responses from around the world started pouring in shortly after the release of the report, the US State Department saying it still needs time to study the findings. The US State Department on Tuesday said it needed time to the report and declined to make any immediate comment on its contents. "This was released to member states about an hour ago so we're going to take some time to look at it before commenting," State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told a news briefing. "We are not prepared to talk about any next steps at this point." The United States and its allies are expected to seize on the keenly-awaited IAEA report to press for more sanctions on the major oil producer. Tehran has dismissed the allegations as fabricated and baseless. Russia on criticized the release of the report on, saying it would reduce hopes for dialogue with Tehran and suggesting it was aimed to scuttle the chances for a diplomatic solution. (21,07)