Israel Matzav

Ahmadinejad loads 20% enriched nuclear rods

On Wednesday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad loaded the first Iranian-made nuclear fuel rods, containing 20% enriched uranium, into a 'research reactor' north of Tehran.

Ahmadinejad celebrated his country's breakthrough. "The president loaded 20 percent enriched rods into the Tehran Reactor... it is a sign of Iranian scientists' achievements," said state TV, which broadcast the ceremony live.

The country is also set to unveil a new generation of its domestically made uranium enrichment centrifuges. "The fourth generation of domestically made centrifuges have higher speed and production capacity... it will be unveiled on Wednesday," state TV said.

The moves appeared designed to show that increased sanctions are failing to halt Iran's technical progress and to strengthen its hand in any renewed negotiations with the major powers.

Diplomats believe Iran has in the past overstated its nuclear achievements to gain leverage in its standoff with Western powers, which suspect Iran is seeking to develop the means to make atom bombs, a charge the country denies.

There are two ways to get uranium for a nuclear weapon: Enriching uranium to 90% or using spent fuel from a research reactor. The West is far more concerned about the enriching route. And at this point, we here in Israel are more concerned with how quickly Iran is able to take its nuclear operations underground to a point where they cannot be reached by fighter jets. Today's events have no effect on that.

Labels: Iranian nuclear threat, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, uranium enrichment

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 10:43 PM