Iran stalling probe into nuclear program, U.N. says

VIENNA — The U.N. nuclear agency reported deadlock Thursday in its probe of allegations that Iran worked on atomic arms — an assessment that further dims hopes that Tehran and six world powers could negotiate a full nuclear deal by their June deadline.

The U.S. and five other powers insist that Tehran must fully cooperate with the U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency’s probe for any nuclear agreement that grants Iran total sanctions relief.

“Iran has not provided any explanations” on the suspicions, according to a confidential report.

The agency also said Iran is honoring commitments to put temporary restraints on its atomic activities as it negotiates on the long-term nuclear deal.

Iran agreed a year ago to work with the U.N. agency. But like previous probes, the investigation quickly stalled over Tehran’s insistence that it never wanted or worked on such weapons and any evidence to the contrary is fabricated.

Diplomats have said Washington is willing to extend the agency’s investigation if an agreement is reached by June that constrains Iran’s uranium enrichment program and other activities that could be turned to making nuclear arms.