Washington, Mar 11: The US Secretary of State Colin Powell denied on Wednesday that the Bush administration was softening its position on the issue of Iran's suspected nuclear weapons programme. Powell said the United States was not giving up its position and reaffirmed that the administration continued to insist that Iran give up its nuclear ambitions and capabilities.

The Secretary of State said the US goal was to make sure the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) eventually made a judgment on whether Iran's actions should be referred to the UN Security Council.

Bureau Report