There is no evidence that Iran is actively building nuclear weapons, said Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in an interview with CNN on Sunday.

"I have not received any information that there is a concrete active nuclear program going on right now," ElBaradei said.

"My fear is that if we continue to escalate from both sides that we will end up into a precipice, we will end up into an abyss," he said.

The IAEA chief said he will continue to work through "creative diplomacy" to try to resolve Iran's nuclear issue. "I do not see any other solution than diplomacy and inspections," he said.

ElBaradei made the remarks after senior Bush administration officials, including President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, had attacked Iran in sharply tougher rhetoric recently.

Moreover, the US imposed sweeping sanctions on Iran on Thursday to keep pressure on Teheran.

Washington has accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program. Iran has denied US charges and insisted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

(Xinhua News Agency October 29, 2007)