VIENNA (AP) — Iran's announcement that it's going to enrich uranium to higher levels is drawing strong criticism.
Iran's nuclear envoy says he's formally notified the International Atomic Energy Agency of the decision to enrich at least some of it uranium stockpile to 20 percent. According to one expert, that would be a significant step toward weapon-grade uranium.
Tehran maintains the fuel is meant only for its research reactor. Its envoy blames world powers for the decision, accusing them of dragging their feet on a plan that would have involved Russia and France in supplying the reactor.
Israel call's the move further proof that "Iran is ridiculing the entire world." Defense Minister Ehud Barak (EH'-hud bah-RAHK') says the "right response" is to impose "decisive and permanent sanctions on Iran."
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says President Barack Obama has made sincere efforts to engage the Islamic Republic diplomatically, but Tehran has rejected them all.
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<<CUT …174 (02/08/10)>> 00:14 "the international community"
George Jahn (yahn)
AP Correspondent George Jahn reports the Iranian envoy says the uranium enrichment increase is for peaceful means.
<<CUT …175 (02/08/10)>> 00:07 "to that level"
George Jahn (yahn)
AP Correspondent George Jahn reports there are fears that Iran could make nuclear weapons following further enrichment of its uranium.
<<CUT …176 (02/08/10)>> 00:13 "would agree to"
George Jahn (yahn)
AP Correspondent George Jahn reports this latest development appears to scuttle chances of a nuclear deal between Iran and the West.
<<CUT …178 (02/08/10)>> 00:14 "a huge danger"
Defense Secretary Robert Gates
Defense Secretary Robert Gates says other countries would Iran if it got nuclear weapons.
<<CUT …179 (02/08/10)>> 00:10 "having nuclear weapons"
Defense Secretary Robert Gates
Defense Secretary Robert Gates says Iran needs to be convinced it would be better off without those weapons.
<<CUT …180 (02/08/10)>> 00:15 "and diplomatic channels"
Defense Secretary Robert Gates
Defense Secretary Robert Gates says it's still worth trying to negotiate with Iran.
<<APPHOTO VAH104 (02/07/10)>>
: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, wears eye protection goggles as he visits an exhibition of Iran's laser science, in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010. Ahmadinejad ordered his country's atomic agency on Sunday to begin the production of higher enriched uranium, a move that's likely to deepen international skepticism about the country's real intentions on the crucial issue of enriched uranium.
