The IAEA moved Thursday to shut down or suspend 23 out of 55 technical assistance projects with Iran over its defiance of UN demands to halt uranium enrichment used in both power generation and weapons production.
"None of the suspended projects is linked to Iran's enrichment activities, and the uranium enrichment program will be carried on in line with an agreement on guarantees with the IAEA [where Tehran reaffirms its commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty]," Ali Asgar Soltaneih said in Vienna.
The diplomat also said Tehran would not cut off ties with the international nuclear body.
The decision by the 35-nation Board of Governors fell in line with the UN Security Council's December 23 sanctions to punish a defiant Iran.
It came against the backdrop of the five permanent Security Council members discussing additional sanctions against Tehran, which could include a travel ban, the freezing of companies' and individuals' assets, an arms embargo and trade restrictions.
The countries also plan to continue diplomatic contacts with Tehran, which insists it has the right to conduct nuclear research for power generation purposes.
