Defiant Iran expands nuclear operation

Iran has begun installing 6,000 new centrifuges at its uranium enrichment plant in Natanz as part of its plan to develop "peaceful nuclear energy", state television quoted President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as saying Tuesday.
Iran's president says 6,000 new centrifuges will become operational at a uranium enrichment plant in Natanz over the course of the year, according to Iranian news agencies.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad -- who made the comments during an inspection of the plant on the country's Nuclear Technology Day -- said the installation began Tuesday.

"Iran last year installed 3,000 centrifuges and entered the stage of enrichment. And in the current year, new centrifuges will become operational, which is a sign of Islamic Iran's outstanding successes and achievements," Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying.

The period Ahmadinejad was referring to is the Iranian year, which began late last month.

The president also promised "good news" in the fields of "peaceful nuclear energy, aerospace and agriculture" and "eye-catching" work in science, economy and culture. He plans to elaborate on the developments in a speech on Tuesday night, news agencies reported.

The U.S. and other Western nations believe Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons. Iran insists its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes.

U.S. National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said such comments are "not unusual given that today is 'Nuclear Day' in Iran."

"I cannot verify the accuracy of his statement, but regardless, the Iranian government continues to be in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions and with each step it takes it continues to isolate its people and risk further international financial and diplomatic sanctions."