Iran loads own fuel rods into research reactor
By ALI AKBAR DAREINI, Associated Press
Feb 15, 2012 6:35 AM CST
FILE - In this April 9, 2007 file photo, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaks at a ceremony in Iran's nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz, 300 kilometers 186 (miles) south of capital Tehran, Iran. Major Asian importers of Iranian oil are thumbing their noses at American attempts to get them...   (Associated Press)

Iran says it has begun loading domestically made nuclear fuel rods into its Tehran research reactor, a defiant move in response to toughening Western sanctions.

The official IRNA news agency said President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad inserted the first Iranian-made nuclear fuel rod into the reactor in north Tehran.

State TV broadcast Wednesday's ceremony live, showing nuclear experts briefing Ahmadinejad on the process.

The development came as Iran said it has cut oil exports to six European countries _ the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, France, Greece and Portugal _ in response to European Union sanctions.