Iran to Eject Weapons Inspectors?

They might, if reports out of Iran are to be believed.

Iran could throw UN weapons inspectors out of the country in retaliation for the latest round of sanctions imposed by the Security Council.

MPs from the hardline majority faction in parliament said they would vote on a motion to downgrade relations with the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at a session on Sunday.

Alaeddin Boroujerdi, chairman of the committee on national security and foreign policy, condemned the fresh sanctions as "a political, illegal and a failed move."

The Security Council passed a series of broad-ranging sanctions against Iran on Wednesday, including trade and financial restrictions, travel bans on top officials, plus a partial arms embargo.

Iranian officials were divided on the merits of withdrawing from the weapons inspections regime but acknowledged that support for the idea was strong.

"The parliamentarians are very upset," said Aliasghar Soltanieh, the ambassador to the IAEA in Vienna. "As of now, there is no intention to withdraw from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty or to stop our co-operation in accordance with IAEA safeguards."

By: Brant