Tweet
Iran 'makes first batch of 20% enriched uranium'
12:24 - 13.06.11
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said his country has
produced its first batch of uranium enriched to 20%, BBC News
reported.
The statement, made at a rally marking Iran's revolution, comes days
after Tehran revealed it was starting the new phase at its Natanz
plant.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a report on
Wednesday that Iran would start producing 20% enriched uranium "within
a few days".
Until now, Iran has produced uranium enriched to 3.5% for power stations.
It says it needs the more highly enriched uranium for a reactor
producing medical isotopes.
But Western experts say that even if Iran produces more highly
enriched uranium, it lacks the capability of turning the material into
fuel rods needed by the reactor.
Western powers fear Iran is heading towards enriching uranium to 90% -
to produce a nuclear weapon. Iran says its nuclear programme is
peaceful.
"I would like to say to you that the day before yesterday the
enrichment of fuel at 20% started," President Ahmadinejad told huge
crowds marking the 31st anniversary of Iran's revolution, in Tehran on
Thursday.
"I would like to notify you and announce with a loud voice that -
thank God - our chief nuclear negotiator announced that the produce of
fuel at 20% started under the watchful eye of our scientists."
He added: "They all know that right now in Natanz, we have the
capacity to enrich uranium at high levels.
"We have the capacity to enrich above 20, even 80%. But because we
have no need, we won't do that."
In a confidential report to member states, seen by news agencies, IAEA
chief Yukiya Amano said Iran's output of up to 20% enriched uranium
would remain modest.
But experts say Iran could convert a stockpile of 20% enriched uranium
to weapons grade material within six months.
The nation is already subject to UN sanctions because of its nuclear programme.
Tert.am
From: Baghdasarian
12:24 - 13.06.11
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said his country has
produced its first batch of uranium enriched to 20%, BBC News
reported.
The statement, made at a rally marking Iran's revolution, comes days
after Tehran revealed it was starting the new phase at its Natanz
plant.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a report on
Wednesday that Iran would start producing 20% enriched uranium "within
a few days".
Until now, Iran has produced uranium enriched to 3.5% for power stations.
It says it needs the more highly enriched uranium for a reactor
producing medical isotopes.
But Western experts say that even if Iran produces more highly
enriched uranium, it lacks the capability of turning the material into
fuel rods needed by the reactor.
Western powers fear Iran is heading towards enriching uranium to 90% -
to produce a nuclear weapon. Iran says its nuclear programme is
peaceful.
"I would like to say to you that the day before yesterday the
enrichment of fuel at 20% started," President Ahmadinejad told huge
crowds marking the 31st anniversary of Iran's revolution, in Tehran on
Thursday.
"I would like to notify you and announce with a loud voice that -
thank God - our chief nuclear negotiator announced that the produce of
fuel at 20% started under the watchful eye of our scientists."
He added: "They all know that right now in Natanz, we have the
capacity to enrich uranium at high levels.
"We have the capacity to enrich above 20, even 80%. But because we
have no need, we won't do that."
In a confidential report to member states, seen by news agencies, IAEA
chief Yukiya Amano said Iran's output of up to 20% enriched uranium
would remain modest.
But experts say Iran could convert a stockpile of 20% enriched uranium
to weapons grade material within six months.
The nation is already subject to UN sanctions because of its nuclear programme.
Tert.am
From: Baghdasarian