Iran hosts UN nuke watchdog

Officials from the UN atomic watchdog began a visit to Iran yesterday to discuss Tehran's suspect nuclear drive, amid a backlash by furious Iranian lawmakers at a looming EU oil embargo.
The three-day International Atomic Energy Agency mission is to address evidence suggesting Iran's activities include nuclear weapons research.
The visit was seen as a rare opportunity to maybe alleviate a building international showdown over Iran's nuclear programme that has seen a ratcheting up of sanctions and talk of possible Israeli military action.
Iran, which maintains its programme is exclusively for peaceful purposes, is increasingly furious at the Western measures aimed at getting it to halt uranium enrichment.
Iran's parliament is considering a draft law that would cut off shipments to Europe immediately. Debate on the bill, originally expected for Sunday, appeared to have been delayed by several days.
Officials have warned they could even close the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint at the entrance to the Gulf, in a move analysts say could send oil prices soaring by 50 percent.
Saudi Arabia has promised to make up for any shortfall in the market should Iranian oil be curbed, but it, too, is dependent on the strait.
The United States, which has called any attempt to close the strait a "red line" not to be crossed, is reportedly planning to send a large floating base for commando teams to the Middle East.
It already has two aircraft carrier groups in and near the Gulf, and has broadened arms deals to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.