Iran says expansion of nuclear fuel work imminent

Quito, Jan 15: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad todaytold Reuters the expansion of uranium enrichment facilities at hiscountry's giant underground bunkers at Natanz would take place ''verysoon, bit by bit.''

Earlier today, Tehran said it was planning toinstall 3,000 atomic centrifuges there and achieve industrial-scaleproduction of nuclear fuel, which the West fears is part of a programto make bombs. But no timeframe was given.

Last month, Iran received limited UN Security Council sanctionsbut Western nations say Tehran could face tougher penalties if itpushes ahead with enrichment.

Regardless, Iran has vowed to continue, saying its scientists are working on the provision of electricity and not bombs.

Ahmadinejad made his remark to a Reuters reporter on the sidelinesof a ceremony in Quito to inaugurate Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa.

A senior diplomat familiar with the inspections of theInternational Atomic Energy Agency said there was no evidence Iran hadstarted installing the extra centrifuges, which enrich uranium toweapons grade by spinning it supersonically.

But he said there were indications that the process could begin in the next few days.

Reuters

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