AEOI chief: 20% enrichment starts in Natanz Site

The official told that the 20% enrichment process would be carried out in a separate section called ‘S8’ which is apart from Natanz routine production line which produces enriched uranium at lower levels.

“We start enrichment at 20% level in a separate section by injecting the 3.5 percent nuclear fuel to the enrichment system,” Salehi stated.

He added that the new section was prepared “by making some changes in a previous part of Natanz site in coordination with the International Atomic energy Agency.”

He added that Iran has informed the IAEA of the beginning of its 20% uranium enrichment activity by sending two separate letters to the agency.

Salehi said that the UN nuclear watchdog’s inspectors would as of today supervise the activity of the new section.

“Beginning of the 20 percent enrichment activity does not necessarily mean that the doors were closed on negotiation and interaction in regards to nuclear fuel swap,” Salehi stressed.

He reiterated that Tehan was still ready for talks with other side, “if they stop wasting time and act more rationally.”

/Irna/