Iran's file "will not be closed in June," the president said, adding that he did not regard that fact as serious.

"What matters is the direction that the IAEA will take at that point, its movement in the right direction and its recognition of Iran's efforts and cooperation."

Iran had been pushing for its file to be withdrawn from active consideration altogether, arguing that its signature of the additional protocol of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and its opening up of all relevant sites to IAEA inspectors merited the move.

WAR.WIRE