A top Iranian nuclear official says the country does not need to enrich uranium to the 60-percent purity level, and had better use nuclear reactors to meet its energy demands.


“If one day we plan to use this energy to fuel ships or submarines, it is better to use nuclear reactors,” Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi said in a televised program on Saturday.

Meanwhile, he pointed to a draft bill on 60-percent uranium enrichment approved by Iranian MPs and added, ”If the lawmakers deem it expedient that 60-percent enrichment is in the country’s interests and sign it into law, we will have no option but to obey.”

On December 25, 2013, Iranian lawmakers drafted a bill that, if passed, would oblige the government to produce 60-percent enriched uranium in line with the requirements of the nation’s civilian nuclear program.

The bill would oblige the government to put the Arak heavy water reactor into operation and enrich uranium to the 60-percent purity level in order to provide fuel for submarine engines if the anti-Iran sanctions are tightened and Tehran’s nuclear rights are ignored.

Salehi emphasized that Iran enriches uranium only to the level required to provide the Bushehr nuclear power plant with fuel.

“If 20 percent [enriched uranium] is needed for peaceful purposes, foreign countries should sell it to us; otherwise, we can produce it ourselves,” the AEOI head said.

He emphasized that Iran has proven its goodwill over the past 10 years and there has been no contradiction in its words.

On December 7, 2013, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reaffirmed the country’s entitlement to uranium enrichment as part of a civilian nuclear program.

“Not only nuclear energy, but also nuclear technology and even [uranium] enrichment are our inalienable rights. In addition, we have every right to progress and development,” Rouhani said.

By Press TV

 

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