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Iran Closer to Fueling Nuke Reactor, VP Claims

First time Iran has made claim

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 24, 2007 5:55 PM CST
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(Newser) – Iran claims to have made nuclear fuel pellets of uranium oxide, a major step in its quest to fuel a heavy water reactor, the AP reports. It also claims to be making pellets for light water reactors, like the one Russia is helping it build on the Persian Gulf coast—a move the US and its allies oppose because it could lead to nuclear weapons.

But ex-nuclear inspector David Albright says Iran is making enriched uranium only "on a very small scale and it's got to be only for testing purposes." Its 400 pounds of the substance is a mere fraction of what is needed to run a power reactor. Yet Iran refuses to stop its uranium enrichment program, despite two rounds of UN sanctions.

A general view of Iran's nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz, 300 kms 186 (miles) south of capital Tehran, Iran, in this photo taken in April, 2007. (AP photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian, FILE)
A general view of Iran's nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz, 300 kms 186 (miles) south of capital Tehran, Iran, in this photo taken in April, 2007. (AP photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian, FILE)   (Associated Press)
Iran's nuclear chief, Gholamreza Aghazadeh leaves after attending a meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Iran's nuclear chief, Gholamreza Aghazadeh leaves after attending a meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007....   (Associated Press)
Iran's top nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili attends an international seminar discussing Iran's nuclear program and a recent report by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Mohamed ElBaradei, in Tehran, Iran, on Thursday Nov. 22, 2007. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)
Iran's top nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili attends an international seminar discussing Iran's nuclear program and a recent report by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Mohamed...   (Associated Press)
Vice President of Iran Reza Aghazadeh I, right, delivers a speech during the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency, as IAEA's Director General Mohamed ElBaradei, left, looks on at Vienna's International Center, on Monday, Sept. 17, 2007. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak)
Vice President of Iran Reza Aghazadeh I, right, delivers a speech during the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency, as IAEA's Director General Mohamed ElBaradei, left, looks on...   (Associated Press)
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Iran won't allow inspections
AFP

Report from Iran on IAEA discussions
Iran Daily

 
Iran • nuclear weapons • nuclear • nuclear reactor • uranium • nuclear enrichment • enriched uranium

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