Iranian nukes

LONDON, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Secret documents obtained by a British newspaper suggest Iran is nearing tests on a component for a nuclear weapon.

The Times of London reported Monday it obtained confidential papers that indicate Iran had in place a four-year plan beginning in 2007 to test a part of a weapon that sets off a nuclear explosion.

The documents have reportedly been seen by intelligence agencies from several countries and they have been forwarded to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

An American physicist told The Times "there is no civilian application" for such a device, adding, "This is a very strong indicator of weapons work."

Iran has contended its nuclear program has peaceful aims but many other countries claim the true target is for Tehran to become a nuclear weapons state. Those countries are seeking increased U.N. sanctions on Iran, with additional talks on possible steps set for this week.

Tehran has been admonished for not being fully forthcoming about the scope of its nuclear program. Early this year, it was forced to admit the existence of a secret nuclear facility when Western leaders were about to disclose information about it. Recently, Iran said the imposition of U.N. sanctions would lead it to expand, rather than rein in, its nuclear program.