Iran has been accused of keeping some of its nuclear activities secret [Photo: Digitalglobe]

Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said Iran would not stop development of the so-called nuclear cycle.

This comprises the procedures used to process the uranium necessary for both nuclear energy and nuclear weapons.

Mr Kharrazi said a draft resolution to be considered by the UN nuclear agency on Monday needed to be changed.

Yellowcake

Britain, France and Germany last week presented a draft resolution to the UN International Atomic Energy Agency criticising Iran's attitude towards an inquiry.

Iran categorically denies US claims that it is developing nuclear weapons.

"We will not accept any new obligation," Mr Kharrazi told a news conference.

"If anyone asks us to give up Isfahan industries to change yellowcake into uranium hexafluoride gas or to give up heavy-water facilities in Arak, we cannot accept such an extra demand that is contradictory to our legal rights."

Iran's 'irreversible path'

Mr Kharrazi said he hoped IAEA board members would resist US pressure and not only soften the resolution but also drop Iran's case.

"It is not fair that Iran's case remains on the agenda for two minor issues," he said.

Iran must explain how traces of uranium came to be found on components, and what it plans to do with advanced uranium-enriching centrifuges it initially failed to declare.

He added: "Iran has a high technical capability and has to be recognised by the international community as a member of the nuclear club.

"This is an irreversible path."