TEHRAN – Iran is installing new centrifuges to enrich uranium as part of its efforts to speed up its nuclear programme, according to the foreign ministry, in an announcement likely to alarm western powers.
France, which has taken a hardline stance on Iran's nuclear ambitions, condemned the move as a "clear provocation".
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast appeared to confirm yesterday that Iran was installing two more advanced models of the centrifuges used to refine uranium for large-scale testing at a research site.
If Iran eventually succeeds in introducing the more modern centrifuges for production, it could significantly shorten the amount of time required to stockpile material which can have civilian as well as military purposes, if processed much further.
"By installing the new centrifuges, progress is being made with more speed and better quality," Mr Mehmanparast said, adding that the move showed Iran was being successful in its "peaceful nuclear activity".
France said the announcement undermined arguments the Iranian nuclear programme was aimed at boosting energy production for peaceful purposes. – (Reuters)