Diplomats say Iran ready to increase nuclear output at underground plant

VIENNA – Diplomats say Iran is on the threshold of boosting output of material that can be turned into weapons grade uranium used in nuclear warheads.

One diplomat tells The Associated Press that Tehran is now technically ready within days to ramp up its production of 20-per cent enriched uranium by nearly 700 centrifuges.

That would nearly double present output at Iran’s heavily fortified Fordo enrichment plant.

Two other diplomats could not confirm the 700 number but said Tehran has put a sizeable number of centrifuges at Fordo that were previously installed but not ready to operate under vacuum.

It takes only a few days to begin enrichment with machines that are under vacuum.

Iran denies wanting nuclear arms. The diplomats demanded anonymity Thursday because they were not authorized to discuss the issue.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles