Iran loads fuel rods into reactor
Source: Agencies |
February 16, 2012, Thursday
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IRAN proclaimed advances in nuclear know-how yesterday, loading domestically made nuclear fuel rods into its Tehran research reactor, a defiant move in response to toughening Western sanctions over its nuclear program.
The IRNA news agency said President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad inserted the first Iranian-made rod into the reactor in northern Tehran, and state TV broadcast live images from the ceremony with Iranian nuclear experts briefing Ahmadinejad on the process.
Iran hailed the development as an incremental step in the country's efforts to master the complete nuclear fuel cycle.
The West suspects Iran's nuclear program is aimed at producing atomic weapons, a charge Tehran denies, insisting it's geared for peaceful purposes only, such as energy production. The Tehran reactor, for example, produces nuclear isotopes for treating cancer patients.
Iran also aimed to show that the tightening sanctions noose has failed to stop it making progress in nuclear technology.
Iran says it was forced to manufacture its own fuel for the Tehran reactor after failing to agree terms for a deal to obtain it from the West to replenish imported Argentinian stocks that will run out in the near future.
"The era of bullying nations has past. The arrogant powers cannot monopolize nuclear technology. They tried to prevent us by issuing sanctions and resolutions but failed," Ahmadinejad said in a live television broadcast.
"Our nuclear path will continue."
Meanwhile, Iran's Arabic-language Al Alam television said the government had handed a letter to EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton expressing readiness to "hold new talks over its nuclear program in a constructive way."
An Ashton spokeswoman confirmed receipt of the letter, saying she was evaluating it and would consult with the United States, Russia, China and other partners among the big powers.
Iranian officials have long refused to negotiate curbs on its programme, saying it aims solely to produce electricity for booming domestic demand.
The most recent talks between world powers and Iran collapsed in January 2011 when they could not agree an agenda.
The United States and Israel have not ruled out military action against Iran if diplomacy and sanctions are judged futile in reining in its nuclear activity.
Underlining the high stakes and confusion arising from the nuclear stand-off, Iran's Oil Ministry denied a state media report that it had cut oil exports to six European countries.
"We deny this report ... If such a decision is made, it will be announced by Iran's Supreme National Security Council," a ministry spokesman said.
Iran's Press TV said yesterday Tehran had halted deliveries to France, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Netherlands and Spain.
The IRNA news agency said President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad inserted the first Iranian-made rod into the reactor in northern Tehran, and state TV broadcast live images from the ceremony with Iranian nuclear experts briefing Ahmadinejad on the process.
Iran hailed the development as an incremental step in the country's efforts to master the complete nuclear fuel cycle.
The West suspects Iran's nuclear program is aimed at producing atomic weapons, a charge Tehran denies, insisting it's geared for peaceful purposes only, such as energy production. The Tehran reactor, for example, produces nuclear isotopes for treating cancer patients.
Iran also aimed to show that the tightening sanctions noose has failed to stop it making progress in nuclear technology.
Iran says it was forced to manufacture its own fuel for the Tehran reactor after failing to agree terms for a deal to obtain it from the West to replenish imported Argentinian stocks that will run out in the near future.
"The era of bullying nations has past. The arrogant powers cannot monopolize nuclear technology. They tried to prevent us by issuing sanctions and resolutions but failed," Ahmadinejad said in a live television broadcast.
"Our nuclear path will continue."
Meanwhile, Iran's Arabic-language Al Alam television said the government had handed a letter to EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton expressing readiness to "hold new talks over its nuclear program in a constructive way."
An Ashton spokeswoman confirmed receipt of the letter, saying she was evaluating it and would consult with the United States, Russia, China and other partners among the big powers.
Iranian officials have long refused to negotiate curbs on its programme, saying it aims solely to produce electricity for booming domestic demand.
The most recent talks between world powers and Iran collapsed in January 2011 when they could not agree an agenda.
The United States and Israel have not ruled out military action against Iran if diplomacy and sanctions are judged futile in reining in its nuclear activity.
Underlining the high stakes and confusion arising from the nuclear stand-off, Iran's Oil Ministry denied a state media report that it had cut oil exports to six European countries.
"We deny this report ... If such a decision is made, it will be announced by Iran's Supreme National Security Council," a ministry spokesman said.
Iran's Press TV said yesterday Tehran had halted deliveries to France, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Netherlands and Spain.
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