United Nations: The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency has received documentation on Iran's nuclear programme and would embark on an intensive verification process, according to a spokesperson of the world body.

Mohammed El Baradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was quoted as saying that he received the material from Iran's Ambassador to Vienna, and was assured the information was comprehensive and accurate.

"We are in a new phase. I welcome both the decision by Iran to provide what is hopefully a comprehensive and accurate declaration, as well as its decision to conclude an additional protocol," he said.

El Baradei said the additional agreement would help the IAEA to regulate future nuclear activity in Iran.

The director general will report on Iran at an IAEA board meeting on November 20. The delivery by Iran of documents on October 23 came eight days before a deadline set by the IAEA.

PTI