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     VIENNA -- The world's top arms-control authority harshly criticized Iran today, saying it had failed to clear up questions about its nuclear past, while the Islamic Republic accused the agency of becoming a tool for Western pressure.

     "Iran needs to give the agency substantive information to support its statements and provide access to relevant documentation and individuals," ElBaradei told the 35-member board, according to a transcript of his remarks. "Unless Iran provides such transparency . . . the agency will not be able to provide credible assurances about the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran.:

     "A member has been accused by another member without presentation of any documents on the accused claim," Ali-Asghar Soltaniyeh, Iran's envoy to the IAEA, told reporters in Vienna, according to the official Islamic Republic News Agency. "The U.S. will become further isolated with such a behavior."