The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohamed ElBaradei, has stated that he has no evidence that Iran is working to actively build nuclear weapons, and is concerned by the aggressive rhetoric coming from the United States over the issue. ElBaradei said that the reason the agency hasn’t given Iran a pass right now is simply due to unanswered questions about the possibility of weaponization. He continued, “But have we seen Iran having the nuclear material that can readily be used into a weapon? No. Have we seen an active weaponization program? No.”

ElBaradei says that the US is focusing on its own allegations that Iran intends to build nuclear weapons than on any evidence that the country is actively doing so. Despite the fact that she has no evidence to support her claims, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has accused Iran this month of “lying” about their nuclear program. Condi said that there is no doubt that Tehran wants to produce nuclear weapons and that they have deceived the IAEA. Vice-President Cheney and President Bush have both threatened military action.

In reply to the allegations, ElBaradei said that if there is actual evidence, he’d like to see it. He added, “My fear is that if we continue to escalate from both sides that we will end up into a precipice, we will end up into an abyss. As I said, the Middle East is in a total mess, to say the least. And we cannot add fuel to the fire.”

source