"There's still time for North Korea to avoid sanctions actually taking effect if we can work out something on the nuclear inspectors," he said.

Last week, nuclear inspectors cited a backlog of reports about problems at the plant and a lack of preventive maintenance.

There are now 25 weapons inspectors and 17 nuclear inspectors here, with a checklist of more than 900 sites to cover.

The Natanz facility was not known to nuclear inspectors until late last year.

North Korea has also expelled all nuclear inspectors from the country.

In addition, the new leader invited international nuclear inspectors who were ejected in 2009.

With nuclear inspectors returning to Iran this week, that test could come soon.

In Baghdad the nuclear inspectors were told they could have access to the plans on Tuesday if they agreed to sign for them.

"We are very curious to see what is under the roof," said Jacques Baute, leader of the nuclear inspectors.

Such signs of a leak were supposed to be reported to federal nuclear inspectors.