Iran says committed to non proliferation treaty

TEHRAN, May 23 (Reuters) Iran remains committed to the Non Proliferation Treaty, the country's chief nuclear negotiator said today, reacting to a UN agency report saying Tehran is expanding atom work in defiance of Western demands.

''Iran is still still loyal to its commitment in carrying out the NPT,'' Iranian state television quoted Ali Larijani as saying.

The findings in a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) came on the day nine US warships sailed into the Gulf to demonstrate American impatience with Tehran which it accuses of seeking nuclear arms. Iran denies the charge.

REUTERS SZ PM0032