Iran rejected allegations yesterday that it failed to honor promises made under a treaty that aims to stop the spread of nuclear weapons.

　　Ali Akbar Salehi, Iran's ambassador to the UN nuclear agency, insisted Tehran had attempted to act in good faith to keep its obligations under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.

　　"Iran considers the acquiring, development and use of nuclear weapons inhuman, immoral, illegal and against its very principles," he said. "They have no place in Iran's defensive doctrine."

　　However, Salehi acknowledged that the UN nuclear agency and the Islamic country had different interpretations of regulations regarding the import and use of nuclear material. But he cited other instances of similar troubles worldwide and suggested that Iran was being singled out in this case.

　　"If indeed our collective purpose is to settle issues and to not turn themsintosinternational problems with far-reaching repercussions, then we should wisely join in all our forces to avoid the practice of double standards, a practice normally emanating from political motivation," according to the Iranian ambassasor.

　　The remarks were delivered as part of a debate on an International Atomic Energy Agency internal report that claimed Iran failed to honor promises to disclose the use its nuclear material.

　　The United States wants the UN nuclear agency to declare Iran in violation of the NPT.

　　At least 18 countries had indicated willingness to speak on the issue during the debate yesterday.

　　In the days leading to the meeting, the United States wasshavingstrouble rounding up the support it needed for a tough resolution condemning Iran, according to Western diplomats

　　Iran insists its nuclear program is intended to produce electricity, which will be needed as oil supplies decline.

　　Though Iran says it does not oppose a protocol that would broaden the agency's abilities to inspect facilities in principle, it wants access to advanced nuclear technology in exchange. It accuses Washington of using its influence to prevent Iran from acquiring that technology.

　　Board members won't reveal what they have decided until after the session ends later this week.