Although Khatami told reporters that Iran had no moral commitment to suspend nuclear enrichment, he did not indicate that Iran would resume the enrichment process, or would stop co-operating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

'If the draft resolution proposed by the European countries is approved by the IAEA, Iran will reject it,' Khatami said. 'If Europe has no commitment toward Iran, then Iran will not have a commitment toward Europe.'

Delegates at the IAEA meeting said that the latest draft was likely to be formally accepted, despite Tehran's requests to tone it down. The draft does not directly threaten sanctions on Tehran but is worded to the effect that substantial pressure is placed on Iran to clear up aspects of what its 20-year covert nuclear program.