US, Iran clash over Israel nukes

Discussion meant to take the heat off Teheran says US envoy.

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nuclear Power plant 311 AP (photo credit: Associated Press)
Nuclear Power plant 311 AP
(photo credit: Associated Press)
VIENNA  — The US and Iran clashed over Israel's alleged nuclear program, with a US envoy saying discussion of the topic is meant to take the heat off Teheran.
His Iranian counterpart in turn said that Israel's nuclear weapons make it the biggest threat to Middle East Peace.
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The dispute Thursday between Ali Asghar Soltanieh of Iran and Glyn Davies of the US was over an item entitled "Israeli Nuclear Capabilities" at a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-nation board. It is the first time the board has been asked to discuss the topic in 19 years.
Israel does not comment on its nuclear program but is commonly acknowledged to possess atomic arms.
Iran was hit Wednesday with a fourth set of UN sanctions for defying demands it curb its nuclear program.