The 35-nation board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Thursday (Nov 23) blocked Iran's bid for technical help in building a nuclear reactor, diplomats said.

The decision, which still left room for Iran to renew its request in the future, came after days of negotiation between western and developing countries.

On Nov. 13, Iran submitted an application to the IAEA for technical assistance to build a heavy water reactor in Arak, a central city 200 km south of Tehran.

Iran said its nuclear energy agenda, anchored on enrichment of uranium, is limited to generating electricity.

But western countries, particularly the United States, claim that Iran's nuclear program could eventually lead to the production of atomic bombs.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday that his country would press ahead with its nuclear program despite the West's pressure.

Editor: Wing