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Iran Raises Nuclear Stakes

'Can Produce Uranium on Industrial Scale'

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 10, 2007 6:16 AM CDT

(Newser) – Iran claims to have scaled up its nuclear capability by enriching uranium "on an industrial scale, " the Guardian reports, in defiance of U.S. and U.N. pressure to dimantle the program. The announcement from President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is sure to heighten conflict with the White House and provide new ammunition for those advocating military action.

His chief negotiator, Ali Larijani, confirmed there are now 3,000 nuclear centrifuges in operation, ten times as many as previously believed and enough to produce material for a warhead within a year. But Michael Levi, of the Council on Foreign Relations, is skeptical. "We have an unfortunate habit to take Iran at its word when they make scary announcements," he tells the AP.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad waves to the media as he arrives at a press conference in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, April 4, 2007. In a wide ranging speech the Iranian president lambasted the UN... (Associated Press)

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'Can Produce Uranium on Industrial Scale'

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But Iran won't retreat 'even an iota' on right to program

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'Can Produce Uranium on Industrial Scale'

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iran expands nuclear production

Iraq • Iran • nuclear proliferation • United Nations • Mahmoud Ahmadinejad • Ali Larijani • uranium

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Wow! Obama Saved Us from the Canadians!

That nuclear summit looked a lot like a waste of time, didn't it?

Ahmadinejad Backs Nuke Deal—in Some Form

But Iran won't retreat 'even an iota' on right to program

Defiant Ahmadinejad Blasts US, UN

In lengthy interview, Iranian Prez gives his opinions on Obama, Iraq, Europe

Iran Plans 19 Nuke Plants

Rejects calls to drop uranium enrichment

Iran Boasts of Nuke Potential

Ahmadinejad claims 3,000 centrifuges, after UN praises its probe cooperation

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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What is Newser?