Iran can make fuel for nuclear reactors
In a what appeared to be a signal to Europe, Iran’s top nuclear negotiator said today his country had achieved the ability to produce its own fuel for nuclear reactors.
“Iran has attained full self-sufficiency in producing nuclear fuel for its nuclear power plants,” state TV and radio quoted Hassan Rowhani as saying.
In the texts read out by the newscasters, Rowhani did not say when the self-sufficiency was achieved.
Iranian officials have previously said their country has the technological ability to enrich uranium to the level required for reactor fuel. Rowhani’s statement appeared to be designed to emphasise the point ahead of negotiations due to start with the European Union later this month.
Last month, Iran reached an agreement with the “big three” European nations - Britain, France and Germany – in terms of which Iran is suspending its enrichment and related activities while it negotiates a long-term agreement with the European Union on Iran’s nuclear programme.
The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, is to monitor the suspension.
The United States believes Iran has a secret programme to build nuclear weapons and has been lobbying for the country to be referred to the UN Security Council, which could impose sanctions.
Iran denies the US allegations and, in his statement, Rowhani reiterated that the country would only pursue peaceful nuclear energy.
In the negotiations with the EU, Iran hopes to obtain European nuclear technology and economic aid.
The Europeans have pushed for Iran to declare a permanent halt to uranium enrichment, but Iran has repeatedly refused this.
Uranium enriched to a low grade is used as fuel in nuclear reactors.
When it is enriched to a high degree, it is suitable for making atomic bombs.
