VIENNA, Austria - Senior diplomats at the International Atomic Energy Agency refused to back down from a tough statement rebuking Iran for nuclear cover-ups even after the Iranian president warned of retaliation.

Chief U.S. delegate Kenneth Brill on Wednesday accused Tehran of a "full-court press of intimidation" to sway a meeting of the IAEA's 35-nation board of governors.

"People who are trying to produce electricity for light bulbs don't engage in this kind of behavior," he said.

Iran has suspended its uranium enrichment program, but President Mohammad Khatami said Tuesday that his country has no "moral commitment" to maintain suspension. He insisted his country would not accept a toughly worded text.

But one delegate said the draft that keeps a sharp rebuke could be formally submitted today. Others described the draft, written by France, Britain and Germany, as strongly worded.

The text, drawn up by Europe's three leading nations and made available to The Associated Press, is meant to keep pressure on Tehran as the agency probes nuclear activities uncovered two years ago after 18 years of secrecy.

Key passages expressing "concern" and "serious concern" about Iran's foot-dragging or "deploring" its spotty record of cooperation with the IAEA probe remained. It is strong terminology in diplomatic language.

Small changes were made to appease nonaligned nations traditionally allied with Iran, said delegates who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"The substance remains the same," said one delegate from a board member country. "The heat is still on."