ElBaradei calls Iranian nuclear threat as 'hyped'

Vienna (Austria), Sep.2 (ANI): Outgoing International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei has called the Iranian nuclear threat "hyped," saying there is no proof of the Islamic republic soon having nuclear weapons. "In many ways, I think the threat has been hyped," ElBaradei told the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists in an interview released Tuesday.

"Yes, there's concern about Iran's future intentions and Iran needs to be more transparent with the IAEA and international community," he told the Chicago-based magazine.

"But the idea that we'll wake up tomorrow and Iran will have a nuclear weapon is an idea that isn't supported by the facts as we have seen them so far. About Iran, I've been told, 'Mind your own business; you're a technician.' And yet, at other times, on other matters, I have been told that I'm the custodian of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty - sometimes by the very people who tell me to mind my own business when it comes to Iran," he continued.

"I don't put much stock in either designation. I'm neither a custodian nor a technician; I'm merely someone who is trying to do his job," the Jerusalem Post quoted him, as saying.On Sunday, government officials said that Israel wants the IAEA to release a classified report on Iran's alleged nuclear weapons experiments, following Friday's release of an IAEA report that was welcomed by Teheran as "positive."

According to government officials, the IAEA has another document which is a summary of everything the agency knows about Iran's nuclear program, which has remained classified. Israel is keen on getting that document released, but has limited leverage since it is not a member of the IAEA.

El Baradei did not agree to release the document. (ANI)