Washington: Iran has failed to report certain nuclear material and activities, but is taking corrective action, the chief of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on June 16.

In remarks before the IAEA board of governors in Vienna, director general Mohamed El-Baradei also discouraged confrontation between the US and Iran over the latter's alleged nuclear weapons programme.

He was presenting a report to the 35-nation board on the implementation of Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) safeguards agreement in Iran.

"The report points out that Iran has failed to report certain nuclear material and activities, and that corrective actions are being taken in co-operation with the Iranian authorities," he said.

"The report also explains that work is still ongoing with regard to the correctness and completeness of Iran's declaration to ensure that all nuclear material in Iran has been declared and is under safeguards."

"In this respect, we are continuing our efforts – through technical discussions, inspection and environmental sample analysis – to understand all aspects of Iran's nuclear programme, including the research and development work relevant to uranium conversion and enrichment programme; and its programme for the use of heavy water."

El-Baradei said he continues to call on Iran, as well as all states with significant nuclear programmes, to bring into force an "additional protocol" at an early date, in order to enhance the Agency's ability to provide credible assurances regarding the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities.

PTI