"We cannot just rely on a national intelligence assessment from the US, but it is good news to hear that it is consistent with our conclusions," said International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Mohamed ElBaradei.

"We have been pleased to read this assessment because it is consistent with what the agency and I have been saying for a number of years," ElBaradei told a news conference in Brazil.

"I don't see Iran as an imminent threat that should divert from the negotiation process."

The US National Intelligence Estimate released Monday said Iran had halted a drive for atomic weapons in 2003, but retained the capability to make a nuclear weapon by 2015.

US President George W. Bush has insisted Iran still poses a danger.

"Iran was dangerous, Iran is dangerous and Iran will be dangerous if they have the knowledge necessary to make a nuclear weapon," he said Tuesday.

ElBaradei however said the "report is a window of opportunity, because it gives diplomacy a new chance. There is not the sense of urgency ... that Iran is about to develop nuclear weapons tomorrow."

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