Iran: ‘May refuse nuclear checks’

Iran may stop allowing snap inspections of its nuclear facilities if it is referred to the UN Security Council, says the country's top negotiator.

Ali Larijani said Tehran would also consider pulling out of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) if the “language of force” continues.

The UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, is discussing Tehran’s activities, which Iran insists are for peaceful purposes.

The US and the EU are calling for Iran to be referred to the Security Council.

If that happens, Tehran would review the additional NPT protocol that allows international inspections of its nuclear sites to be carried out at short notice, said Mr Larijani.