Iran installing new uranium enrichment machines to speed up nuclear programme

TEHRAN // Iran is installing new uranium enrichment machines to speed progress in its nuclear programme, the foreign ministry said yesterday, a development that may increase Western concern about Tehran's aims.

Ramin Mehmanparast, the foreign ministry spokesman, appeared to confirm a story last week that Iran was installing two newer and more advanced models of the centrifuges used to refine uranium for large-scale testing at a research site.

If Iran eventually succeeds in introducing the more modern centrifuges for production, it could significantly shorten the time needed to stockpile material which can have civilian as well as military purposes, if processed much further.

"By installing the new centrifuges progress is being made with more speed and better quality," Mr Mehmanparast said, adding that the move showed Iran was being successful in its "peaceful nuclear activity".

Mr Mehmanparast said Iran had informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about the instalment of new centrifuges.

"The agency is aware that our peaceful nuclear activities are progressing. The instalment is a confirmation of the Islamic Republic's success in the nuclear field."

Iran has for years been trying to develop centrifuges with several times the capacity of the 1970s-vintage, IR-1 version it now uses for the most sensitive part of its atomic activities.

The United States and its allies accuse Iran of trying to develop bombs under cover of its nuclear programme. Iran denies the allegation, saying it needs nuclear technology to generate electricity to meet its booming domestic demand.

Iran's refusal to halt uranium enrichment has led to four rounds of UN sanctions on the country, as well as tighter US and European Union restrictions.

Diplomatic efforts to find a solution to Iran's nuclear dispute have stalled, after talks between Iran and six world powers over half a year ago failed to make any progress.

"No new development has taken place regarding the nuclear talks with major powers," Mr Mehmanparast said.

Western diplomats have often accused Iran of deploying stalling tactics in the nuclear dispute with major powers, including the United States, China and Russia, to buy more time while it pushes ahead with its disputed activities.