Iran indicates N-fuel technology breakthrough

TEHRAN - Indicating a major breakthrough in the field of nuclear fuel enrichment technology, Iran said Sunday it will disclose the achievement in the coming weeks.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he will soon give “good news” regarding the 20-percent enriched fuel needed for a medical research reactor in Tehran.

The president will announce the news during the coming weeks, which commemorate the Dahe-ye Fajr (the 10 Days of Dawn) and the lead-up to the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Press TV reported.

“Anyone would be glad to hear the wonderful news as it is about the country’s recent achievements in science and technology,” Ahmadinejad told reporters here.

The President, however, did not elaborate further on the issue.

The statement comes as Iran has been waiting for the response from developed countries to a proposed nuclear deal for its research reactor in Tehran that produces medical isotopes.

The six major powers involved in nuclear talks with Iran have proposed that Tehran accept the draft deal which requires it to send most of its home-produced low enriched uranium abroad to be converted into more refined fuel for the reactor.

However, Tehran has been maintaining that the proposal does not provide enough guarantees that the West would fulfil its commitments.

Instead, officials in Tehran have asserted that they will accept the draft deal if the swap takes place in the Iranian southern island of Kish.