Sanctions could escalate Iran : ElBaradei

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The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, Mohamed ElBaradei, said on Thursday sanctions against Iran could escalate a standoff over its nuclear program and called for a new impetus to break the deadlock.

Last month the U.N. Security Council approved limited sanctions against Iran due to Tehran's refusal to suspend uranium enrichment, which can yield fuel for power plants or bombs.

Iran vehemently denies charges it is seeking nuclear weapons under the cover of its civilian atomic program. But it was referred to the Security Council last year for failing to convince the world that its aims are entirely peaceful.

"I don't think sanctions will resolve the issue. I think sanctions, in my view, could lead to escalation on both sides," ElBaradei said as guest speaker at a meeting in Paris.


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