London: Iran's nuclear programme poses a "serious" security threat, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's spokesman said today, a day after a US intelligence report downplaying the risk.

"We do need to examine the details of this report," said Michael Ellam, referring to the study which concluded that Iran s atomic goals have been exaggerated for at least two years. "But in overall terms the government believes that the report confirms we were right to be worried about Iran seeking to develop nuclear weapons," he said.

"It also shows that the sanctions programme and international pressure has had some effect. It also shows the intent is there and the risk of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon remains a very serious issue."

The National Intelligence Estimate (NIE), the consensus view of all 16 US spy agencies, said that Iran appeared "less determined to develop nuclear weapons than we have been judging since 2005". It concluded that "the programme probably was halted primarily in response to international pressure suggests that Iran may be more vulnerable to influence on the issue than we judged previously".

The White House - which has long accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons - said there should be no-let up in pressure on Tehran amid talks for a third UN resolution punishing the Islamic republic for its defiance.

Source : PTI