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Iran Boosts Nuclear Capability

Surprise inspection turns up improved enrichment technology

By Greg Atwan, Newser User

Posted May 14, 2007 5:36 PM CDT

(Newser) – Iran has made a quantum leap in its nuclear program, and now has the capacity to enrich uranium on a much larger scale than previously believed, the International Atomic Energy Agency reports after a short-notice inspection last weekend. With dramatically improved centrifuge technology, engineers are turning out reactor-grade uranium.

Experts say there is still a large technological leap from reactor-grade uranium to weapons-grade, which would also necessitate kicking out inspectors, as North Korea did. “From now on, it is simply a question of perfecting that knowledge," says the agency's director. The Bush administration, meanwhile, refuses to negotiate the nuclear question until "not one centrifuge spins" in Iran.

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad talks to journalists at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday, May 14, 2007. Ahmadinejad will leave UAE to Oman later in the day. (AP Photo/Kamran... (Associated Press)

Soldiers of Iran's Army wearing the colours of the Iranian flag... (Getty Images)

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Surprise inspection turns up improved enrichment technology

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Iran Won't Budge on Uranium

Negotiator bound for EU talks puts enrichment off-limits

Ahmadinejad Backs Nuke Deal—in Some Form

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

Iran Wants to Change Uranium Deal

But Tehran proposal would make the agreement pointless

Iran OKs Nuke Deal, Will Give Up Uranium

Tehran said to be giving nuclear material to Russia

CIA Knew of 'Secret' Iran Facility: Panetta

Once agency was certain this spring, Obama kept info as leverage for talks

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Iran Boosts Nuclear Capability

Surprise inspection turns up improved enrichment technology

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iran • Bush administration • nuclear • nuclear program • weapon • uranium

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Iran Won't Budge on Uranium

Negotiator bound for EU talks puts enrichment off-limits

Ahmadinejad Backs Nuke Deal—in Some Form

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

Iran Wants to Change Uranium Deal

But Tehran proposal would make the agreement pointless

Iran OKs Nuke Deal, Will Give Up Uranium

Tehran said to be giving nuclear material to Russia

CIA Knew of 'Secret' Iran Facility: Panetta

Once agency was certain this spring, Obama kept info as leverage for talks

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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What is Newser?