Iran uses new machines to enrich uranium: IAEA
2010-08-10 07:30:00
Iran has used a second set of centrifuge machines to enrich uranium to
20 percent purity at its Natanz facility, the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA) has said.
The Vienna-based UN nuclear watchdog said Monday the move would make
Iranian efforts to enrich uranium to higher levels more efficiently,
Xinhua reported Tuesday.
Western countries have long suspected Iran is trying to build nuclear
bombs under the cover of a nuclear energy programme. However, Iran
insists its enrichment activity is only for peaceful purpose.
Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said Sunday Iran is ready to
participate in negotiations based on a nuclear fuel swap deal.
Iran, Turkey and Brazil signed an agreement May 17, in which Iran
committed itself to giving 1,200 kg of its 3.5-percent enriched uranium
to Turkey in exchange for 20-percent enriched uranium to be used as fuel
in the research reactor in Tehran.
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