Iran is warning that it could quit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and resume enriching uranium if it is referred to the United Nations Security Council over its suspect nuclear program.
Top Iranian negotiator Ali Larijani spoke Tuesday in Vienna, on the sidelines of an emergency session of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The IAEA is considering a European draft resolution alleging that Iran has breached the treaty by withholding information on its nuclear fuel cycle program.
That draft, which the United States supports, cites what it calls Iran's many failures and breaches of its obligations under the NPT treaty. Tehran has repeatedly insisted its nuclear intentions are peaceful.
Diplomats say Russia, China and many non-aligned member states oppose the referral, arguing that nuclear talks between Iran and European negotiators should be given more time.
Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.