(Communicated by the Foreign Ministry Spokesman)
Iran announced today (3 January 2006) to the International Atomic Energy Agency that it intends to resume "research and development" in the field of atomic energy, after suspending such activity due to its international commitments.
In its announcement, Iran cynically rejects the efforts of the international community to cooperate with it.
Iran's plans, if carried out, will be seen not only as an additional escalation of the situation, but - even more serious in its implications - will signal Iran's final rejection of the demands of the international community.
Such a step requires a strong and immediate international response - referral of the issue to the Security Council - which will send a clear message that the international community is not prepared to accept Iran's violation of its commitments.