Iran starts 20% uranium enrichment
Iran on Tuesday began enriching uranium to a level of 20 percent at its Natanz enrichment facility under the surveillance of inspectors from the UN nuclear watchdog.
The move comes after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad tasked the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran with enriching uranium to 20 percent in order to meet the demands of the country's cancer patients.
Iran has earlier informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that it would start enriching uranium to 20 percent on Tuesday in the presence of the inspectors and observers from the agency.
Iran needs 120 kg (264 lb) of 20 percent-enriched uranium to fuel the Tehran research reactor, which produces medical isotopes for cancer patients and is soon to run out of fuel.
The Tehran research reactor, which produces 20 different kinds of radio-medicine for cancer patients, runs on 20 percent-enriched U-235.
Source: presstv.ir
Other links:
Occupiers involved in drug trade: Afghan minister
In Iran, Leader says law must be implemented
Iran cleric urges strong action against rioters
118 killed, 197 injured in Baghdad blasts
No one can isolate Iran
