Iran assembly backs nuclear bill

Iran insists its nuclear programme is peaceful

A parliamentary committee in Iran has given approval to a law obliging Iran to resume the enrichment of uranium.

This process produces material that can be used in nuclear weapons.

The bill, which still has to be passed by parliament, calls on the Iranian government to provide the country with peaceful nuclear technology.

The United Nations nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, called on Iran last month to suspend all activities linked with the enrichment of uranium.

BBC Tehran correspondent Frances Harrison says the approval of the bill flies in the face of the international community's demands.

It also increases the chances that Iran will be referred to the UN Security Council for possible punitive action over its nuclear programme, our correspondent says.

Further blow to Khatami

The proposed law calls on the Iranian government to provide the country with peaceful nuclear technology, including completing the fuel cycle.

Iran's state-run news agency said it had been approved by the foreign affairs and national security committee in parliament, but still had to pass a vote and win approval from a clerical oversight committee.

It is not clear when the bill will be tabled in parliament but a majority of MPs have signed the draft, indicating their support.

Our correspondent says the latest development is another blow to the reformist government of President Mohammad Khatami, which finds itself increasingly powerless in the face of a parliament dominated by hardliners.