Tehran: Iran will insert its first domestically-produced nuclear fuel rods into a research reactor in Tehran on Wednesday, a top Iranian official said.
"Because western countries were unwilling to help us, we began enriching uranium to 20 percent to make nuclear fuel rods," Ali Bagheri, deputy chief of Iran's National Security Council, said in an interview.
"These nuclear rods, the first created by Iranian specialists, will be inserted tomorrow into the Tehran Research Reactor in the presence of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad," Bagheri said on Tuesdsay.
Insertion of the domestically-produced nuclear fuel rods would mark a significant step forward in Iran's nuclear programme, experts said.
Ahmadinejad announced last weekend that Iran would make an "important" announcement about its nuclear program this week.
Iran says its nuclear program is confined to production of peaceful atomic energy which it says is a fundamental right of any country.
Western nations and Israel have charged that Tehran is secretly working to build nuclear weapons - an assertion Iran vehemently denies.
"Because western countries were unwilling to help us, we began enriching uranium to 20 percent to make nuclear fuel rods," Ali Bagheri, deputy chief of Iran's National Security Council, said in an interview.
"These nuclear rods, the first created by Iranian specialists, will be inserted tomorrow into the Tehran Research Reactor in the presence of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad," Bagheri said on Tuesdsay.
Ahmadinejad announced last weekend that Iran would make an "important" announcement about its nuclear program this week.
Advertisement
Western nations and Israel have charged that Tehran is secretly working to build nuclear weapons - an assertion Iran vehemently denies.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
After 12 Years, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Set To Contest Iran Presidential Polls Again Explained: How Close Is Iran To Having A Nuclear Bombs US, Iran Close To Informal Understanding Aimed At Easing Tensions Life On Earth Originates From One Ancestor, Older Than Previously Believed Kolkata Rape-Murder: Fractures, 150 mg Semen, Other Claims Denied By Cops Siddaramaiah's Swipe At Governor Amid Calls For Resignation: 10 Points Widows Living In UP Shelter Homes Send Handmade Rakhis To PM Modi Watch: Russian Woman Travels In Mumbai Local Train, Chats With Passengers Germany To Cut Down Military Aid For Ukraine In 2025: Report Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.