Posted on 10/25/2006 10:18:32 AM PDT by standingfirm
AP) TEHRAN, Iran Iran has expanded its controversial nuclear work by starting a second cascade of centrifuges to enrich uranium, a semiofficial news agency reported Wednesday.
The news came as world powers moved toward introducing a draft resolution in the U.N. Security Council that would impose limited sanctions on Iran because of its refusal to cease enrichment — a process that can produce material for nuclear power reactors or weapons.
The Iranian Students News Agency quoted an anonymous official Wednesday as saying that Iran had started a second cascade of centrifuges two weeks ago and that "gas will be injected into the cascade during the current week."
"We will exploit the new product from the injection," ISNA quoted the official as saying, meaning that Iran would use the enriched uranium obtained by inserting gas into the centrifuges.
The report could not be immediately corroborated as Iranian officials were on holiday for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Neither the official Islamic Republic News Agency nor state television and radio carried the report by ISNA, an agency that receives state funding via the national universities.
Diplomats in Vienna said this week that Iran has started its second cascade of centrifuges in Natanz. The move violates a resolution of the International Atomic Energy Agency, a U.N. watchdog group that has required that Iran cease all enrichment-related activity.
The United States accuses Iran of secretly trying to build an atomic bomb under the guise of a civilian nuclear program. But Iran denies this, saying its program is strictly for the generation of electricity. The country ignored an Aug. 31 deadline to cease enrichment.
The U.S. and its European allies are circulating a draft U.N. Security Council resolution that would ban the sale of missile and nuclear technology to Iran and deny the country certain assistance from the IAEA.
China and Russia, which can veto Security Council resolutions, are reportedly pushing for continued dialogue with Iran instead of punishment.
In Washington, President Bush said Wednesday that more talks aren't possible until Iran agrees to suspend uranium enrichment. "If they would verifiably stop their enrichment, the United States would be at the table with them," he said.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said there is "no choice" but to pursue sanctions against Iran after Tehran's refusal to halt uranium enrichment, calling it "regrettable" that Iran has not responded to the demands of the international community.
Iran produced a small batch of enriched uranium in February from a cascade of 164 centrifuges at its nuclear plant at Natanz in central Iran. Iran says it plans to install 3,000 centrifuges at Natanz by the end of this year.
Production of enough uranium to fuel a reactor would require 54,000 centrifuges. Although Iran is nowhere near that goal, its successful operation of more cascades of centrifuges indicates the country is gradually mastering the complexities of producing enriched uranium.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Monday his country's nuclear capability had increased tenfold despite Western pressure to curb its atomic program.
"The enemies, resorting to propaganda, want to block us from achieving (nuclear technology). But they should know that today, the capability of our nation has multiplied tenfold over the same period last year," Ahmadinejad said.
Probably already have orders for weapons-grade plutonium from Kim Sick Ill in NK, dirty-bomb material for every terrorist hack cell, and their own weapons production, to say the least...
China-Russia-Iran = new axis of evil
yep, it scares the heck out of you doesn't it? Anyone going to stop them? Anyone, anyone...?
I have faith that President Bush will order strikes against the nuclear powers of N. Korea and Iran soon after the November 7 election.
Unlikely, unless they attack us or one of our allies.
Good job Putin. I mean, truely, way to go Russia. I'm sure the mullahs would never use them on you, only the US.
Keep selling a bunch of suicidal caveman this gear.
On what basis do you have this faith? He has already promised no military action against NK--it's part of the current UN resolution.
As far as Iran goes, I say yes, let's take care of that place now before they get the nukes. But whether we will or not remains to be seen. I think Israel (with our backing) may do the job, but after the fiasco in Lebanon, the questions is, "will they?".
Yep- the Caliphate is comming and what are we going to do to stop it? Shoot them looks of dissapproval and sanction them- ouch- please stop the abuse. For those hwo don't know what the Caliphate is, it's a religious ideology that imposes Islam on the world through force, and brings about the 12'th imam's 'resurection' by causing armageddon in an attempt to kill off the infidels (you and I)- Yep- them thar sanctions are gonna teach them a lesson by golly.
Nobody cares anymore. No diplomatic movement, no real sanctions, no anything. It is almost like we have to wait until another horrific tragedy occurs before anyone will act.
Christian news and commentary at: sacredscoop.com ...
He will keep out Country Safe.
Do you remember when Bush definitively said that Iran will not be allowed to have nuclear weapons?
This is what he said today:
"The big issue right now is whether or not Iran will end up with a nuclear weapon. And so, our issues with Iran are many. And our position is very clear to the Iranians: There is a better way forward for the government and the people than to be isolated."
Now it's an issue. Now it's a maybe.
Now the penalty is "isolation".
Maybe Rice has handy a rote warning she didn't get to use with North Korea?
"...a semiofficial news agency reported"
what does THAT mean?
Christian news and commentary at: sacredscoop.com ...
The horrific tragedy that is comming is going to be massive and worldwide
I'm sure they understand that if any nuclear weapon goes off on american soil, and it is traced back to iran, iran will cease to exist. Terror bombing will be back in vogue ala dresden bombings.
My problem is having a "spectre" type organization like Al queda getting a weapon and setting it off somewhere in the U.S., and their is no real nation-state to pound, except afghanistan, but al queda moved into the hills of pakistan. Are we going to bomb afghanistan? no.
Will we have the will to act, or more diplomatic posturing.
If it does happen, the following must occur:
1) Outlaw the tenets of the Koran that promote and teach the wanton destruction of enemies, much like nazism was.
2) Close the UN
3) Allow no more immigration into the US
4) Double the size of armed forces and nuclear weaponry.
I think all hell might break loose after Nov. 7. The stupid libs--never mind.
Wonder how much are they being paid for that
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