A delegation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will arrive in Iran later this week to discuss the country's nuclear issue, the official IRNA news agency reported on Monday.

A western diplomat in Vienna was quoted as saying on condition of anonymity that the delegation will hold talks with Iranian officials on the latest developments in Iran's nuclear dispute and to find a way out of the current stalemate.

The diplomat declined to unveil further details such as the composition of the delegation, the duration of its stay or other issues to be discussed, the report said.

Iran's nuclear issue grounded to an impasse after Tehran resumed uranium conversion activities in August, a preparatory step for uranium enrichment.

As a result, the IAEA, UN's nuclear watchdog, adopted a EU- sponsored resolution in September, urging Iran to re-suspend all

uranium enrichment-related activities before November; otherwise, its nuclear case will be referred to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions.

Iran rejected the resolution, vowing never to give up its legal rights to peaceful nuclear technology.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi urged the IAEA on Sunday to stay away from political influence and close Iran's nuclear case as soon as possible.

The United States accuses Iran of developing nuclear weapons under the cover of civilian programs. Tehran categorically denies the charge, saying its nuclear program is for generating electricity.

Source: Xinhua