US think-tank claims Iran after 'weapons-grade uranium'

David Albright, the head of the Institute for Science and International Security said in a report that Iran is seeking to "make sufficient weapons-grade uranium."

Iran has repeatedly denied the accusations that it seeks military ends through its nuclear drive. Tehran says its nuclear program is merely aimed at the civilian application of the technology.

Albright claims Tehran is unlikely to be able to make enough lower-grade fuel for civilian nuclear power plants for a long time.

"As such, one of the most striking lessons of reviewing Iran's accomplishments at Natanz is just how unachievable a commercial enrichment program remains, while how little is required to create a nuclear weapons capability," read the report.

Scott Ritters, a former UN chief weapons inspector, in an interview with Press TV said that Albright is not someone whose comments can be considered "unbiased."

"David Albright is a physicist who has taken an academic interest in the issue of nuclear non-proliferation. He maintains very close ties with certain elements within the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the non-proliferation circles of the US, Israel and Europe and he is the head of a think-tank that focuses on the issue of nuclear non-proliferation," Ritters said.

"It is important to know that he can't be seen as an unbiased personality or unbiased commentator. This commentary and analysis is more colored by the opinions of his contacts and connections than his first-hand experience. He is not somebody who has first-hand personal professional experience in the issue of nuclear non-proliferation," the former UN chief weapons inspector added.

The IAEA has conducted numerous inspections on Iran's nuclear facilities, confirming the non-diversion of nuclear material in the country's functional and under-construction plants.

/Press TV/