The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has temporarily suspended several technical nuclear aid projects to Iran thus complying with a UN Security Council resolution.

Moreover, according to a statement from IAEA spokeswoman Melissa Fleming, all of the aid projects are also being thoroughly examined by the world atomic energy body.

Although the United States is facing mounting criticism from traditional US allies in the European Union and many developing countries, some western diplomats said that Washington pressured for a slashing of at least half of the aid projects.

As to whether Iran are working towards building nuclear weapons or develop nuclear electricity, Gregory Schulte, the US envoy to the IAEA, answered "Iran is developing the capability to produce both."

UN Security Council 1737 was passed on Dec. 23 slapping sanctions on Iran and urging Tehran to suspend its enrichment activities, while prohibiting transfers of sensitive nuclear materials to Iran. However, Iranian officials have rejected the resolution and vowed to install 3,000 centrifuges by March 2007.

Until last month, the IAEA maintained around 65 nuclear aid projects to Iran and neighboring countries to bolster peaceful uses of nuclear energy, while 15 aid projects were specifically set for Iran.

Due to current disagreement between the United States and other countries, a final permanent strategy to technical nuclear aids to Iran is expected to be discussed at the next IAEA board meeting to be held in Vienna on March 5.

(Xinhua News Agency January 18, 2007)