TIP–Reuters reports UN nuclear watchdog (IAEA) chief Yukiya Amano is increasing pressure on Iran to enhance transparency around its atomic program, after IAEA report concluded that the Iranians were continuing to stonewall efforts to clarify the so-called “possible military dimensions” (PMDs) of their atomic program. Iran is obligated by binding United Nations Security Council resolutions to clarify international concerns regarding PMD-related activities, which range from military involvement in acquiring nuclear material to tests related to the development of nuclear warheads.

The report said Iran continued destroying relevant evidence and sites, and “likely… further undermined the Agency’s ability to conduct effective verification.” Reuters thinks these actions were likely to “further complicate efforts by six world powers to negotiate a resolution to the wider, decade-old dispute with Iran over its nuclear work.”

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei boasted that the Obama administration asked for help from Tehran, and had been rebuffed. New York Times subsequently conveyed statements from Kerry indicating that the White House remained open to working with the Iranians despite what the outlet described as “sarcastic criticism from Iran’s supreme leader.” The State Dept. seemed to reverse that, stating that “we do not want to coordinate with, we are not planning to coordinate with Iran in any way on Iraq, period… we are not coordinating with them.”