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Iran Threatens Enrichment if Referred to SC

The Islamic Republic of Iran upped the ante Monday in its nuclear standoff with the world, warning that it will immediately begin developing a full-scale uranium enrichment program if it is referred to the U.N. Security Council. The message was delivered by Ali Asghar Soltaniyeh, Iran`s senior envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency, and analysts say it reflected Tehran`s defiance in the face of growing international pressure over its nuclear program.

Iran`s top nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, planned to travel to Moscow on Tuesday to discuss a proposal to have Iran`s uranium enriched in Russia, then returned to Iran for use in the country`s reactors, a compromise that would provide more oversight and ease tensions. There was no word, though, on whether the "EU-3" - Germany, the UK and France - would accept tolerate such a deal after past events and Iranian threats.

A meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Feb. 2 will determine if Iran is to be sent before the United Nations Security Council. German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday called for a step-by-step diplomatic approach in the standoff, saying she wants "the largest majority possible" for whatever course of action is decided upon by the IAEA, while Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice said in Washington that "referral absolutely has to be made" on February 2.