An Iranian deputy foreign minister yesterday spoke in favour of signing an additional protocol of the International Atomic Energy Agency foreseeing unannounced checks on nuclear projects, in order to avoid further tension.

Mohsen Aminzadeh told the official news agency IRNA that although the issue was complicated and required a broad-based consensus in Iran, in his opinion the IAEA additional protocol was just the logical continuation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and of benefit to the country.

The minister added that although every international commitment also meant some limitation, it would still be better than risking political isolation.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hamid-Reza Assefi said Sunday that no decision has yet been taken in Iran on the IAEA ultimatum and the issue was still under evaluation.

Under the terms of an IAEA ultimatum Teheran has until October 31 to accept all IAEA regulations on nuclear inspections, and it has been warned that the issue will go to the United Nations Security Council for possible sanctions if it does not comply by November 20. – Sapa-DPA.