Iran Plans to Triple Nuke Output, Install More Advanced Centrifuges
- Posted on June 8, 2011 at 6:31pm by
Billy Hallowell
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TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran will soon install more advanced centrifuges at its new uranium enrichment site, the country’s nuclear chief said Wednesday, underscoring Tehran’s continued defiance in the face of international sanctions imposed over its controversial nuclear program.
Vice President Fereidoun Abbasi also announced that Iran plans to triple its output of the higher enriched uranium in 2011 and move the entire program to the new, secretly-built facility.
IRAN URANIUM ENRICHMENT by tvnportal
The uranium enrichment lies at the heart of Iran’s dispute with the West, which is concerned that the activity masks efforts to make nuclear weapons – a charge Tehran denies, insisting the work is peaceful and only meant to generate electricity.
Abbasi, who also heads Iran’s nuclear agency, said that Tehran would set up the more efficient centrifuges, suitable for higher-grade uranium enrichment, at the Fordo site near the holy city of Qom in central Iran.
Built next to a military complex to protect it in case of an attack, Fordo was long kept secret and was only acknowledged by Iran after it was identified by Western intelligence agencies in September 2009.
At the time, the labs were still under construction inside former ammunition depots carved into a mountainside. The area is heavily protected by the powerful Revolutionary Guard.
Despite four rounds of U.N. sanctions over its refusal to halt the enrichment, Iran has threatened to expand the program tenfold and produce new centrifuges capable of enriching uranium faster than the old ones.
This has added to the international concerns because these centrifuges would allow Tehran to accelerate the pace of its program and potentially enable Iran to amass more nuclear material in a shorter time that could be turned into the fissile core of missiles, should it choose to do so.
Centrifuges are machines that are used to enrich uranium. Low-enriched uranium – at around 3.5 percent – can be used to fuel a reactor to generate electricity, which Iran says is the intention of its program. But if uranium is further enriched to around 90 percent purity, it can be used to develop a nuclear warhead.
Iran has been producing uranium enriched up to 5 percent for years and began the higher enrichment – up to near 20 percent, considered a threshold between low and high enriched uranium – in February 2010, claiming it needs the higher enriched uranium to produce fuel for a Tehran reactor that makes medical radioisotopes needed for cancer patients.
According to Abbasi, the nuclear chief, the new centrifuges at Fordo would be more advanced than the decades old P-1 type once acquired on the black market and in use at Iran’s main enrichment facility in Natanz.
“Soon, we will install 164-machine centrifuge cascades of the new generation (at Fordo),” Abbasi was quoted by the official IRNA news agency as saying after a Cabinet meeting.
He also added that Iran would triple the output of its higher enrichment program this year and would move the entire program to Fordo from Natanz. The U.N.’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, would monitor the transfer, he said.
Last month, the IAEA said in a report that Iran estimates it has produced a total of about 125 pounds, or 56.7 kilograms, of uranium enriched to 20 percent by May 21st.
When Iran first announced it activated the 164-machine centrifuge cascades for higher enrichment last year, IAEA said the move was contrary to U.N. resolutions demanding Iran suspend all enrichment.
Abbasi’s announcement came a day after President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad criticized the IAEA chief Yukiya Amano, claiming the director has discredited the world body by alleging that Iran may be working on a nuclear weapons program.
Ahmadinejad was reacting to Amano‘s earlier comments alleging that some aspects of Iran’s nuclear activities could be linked to a weapons program, according to latest information obtained by the U.N. watchdog.
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Comments (77)
Paul_ Revere
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 10:54pmThe muslim brotherhood wants to nuke the hell out of us and we are going to sit back and wait for it to happen.,and it probably will cause nobody is trying to stop them.
Report Post »geonj
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 10:46pmit might be time to drop a few bombs on these sites mr president, if you have the balls.
Report Post »Southernguy
Posted on June 9, 2011 at 9:19amLOL, are you kiddin’? He don’t know what those are ;)
Report Post »llotus
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 10:11pmWe need to do the same. Lotus.
Report Post »fitsgibbons
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 10:08pmWe are screwed with obama in office. We should be dealing with Iran and Syria about now. We need a leader who isn’t a radical sympathizer….when am i going to wake up from this nightmare?!
Report Post »ares338
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:37pmAll just sources of electricity I’m sure.
Report Post »NuffSaid
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:21pmDid someone tell Obamamama? He ought to know about this. Maybe he’s busy sending seals out to murder 70-year old terrorists. What a feat-You really are the Bama!
I don’t think the Israelis will attack ear-rain-iacs. It would be instant suicide. Any major action they take will be the same. If I were Israel in the last days, I‘d drop my nukes on Europe’s major cities, then go hand to hand with the muz. Masada-style.
Report Post »nomercy63
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:07pmTime to attack and totally destroy this filthy nazi regime before the kill us and everyone else!!!!!!!
Report Post »Al J Zira
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:45pmWell we know Obama won’t do anything about it, he believes Iran has a right to have nukes. Cause he’s an idiot. If Isreal does anything they will immediately be sanctioned by the UN. No big deal there, they’re insignificant anyway. So whose left that’s capable?
Report Post »Southernguy
Posted on June 9, 2011 at 9:17am@ Al J ……Underdog, perhaps? lol
Report Post »liberalsarealiens
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:53pmThis country will be the cause of WWIII!
Report Post »Al J Zira
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:49pmWait. Iran is installing new targets? Cool!
Report Post »santramir
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:30pmboth abraham‘s sons’ nukes arab ishmael and hebrew isaac are meant to fight eachother as semite Got says so in the begining of both semitic descendants
Report Post »NOBALONEY
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:11pmThe IAEA has failed on two points. Proliferation and peaceful use. Sanctions haven’t worked, and now the Syrians have rebuilt another nuclear reactor. The United Nations, and the Obama administration by way of Nato can bully Libya, but won’t really do anything against Iran or Syria. Russian’s envoy to the EU, Vladimir Chizhov speaking in Brussels said, ” the prospect of UN security council resolution 1973 on Libya will not be supported by my country. The use of force as Libya shows, does not provide answers”.BBC middle east news, june 8, 2011.
Report Post »violated
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:05pmWhy are we in Libya? Is it higher on the priority, list or are we waiting for them to build more processing facilities in Iran. Too little, too late is what we can remember this administration for.
Report Post »I.Gaspar
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:50pmDon’t worry. Our “president” can go over to Iran, sit down with them, offer them a toast, and politely ask them to cease and desist.
Report Post »Then everything will be fine.
ChiefGeorge
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:29pmThat tears it then! No discounted Disneyland tickets for them.
Report Post »suzy000
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:25pmAnd what is our illustrious president doing about it? NADA. And he wonders why his numbers are low. I can’t wait till his hiney gets beat in 2012…then we will have a real leader…thank God!
Report Post »flsnipe
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:24pmPerfect!!!
Report Post »4XGrace
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:16pmPre-WWII Germany all over again. The world never learns from history. The UN is where bullies grow stronger, reason grows weaker and the free are put under.
Report Post »C. Schwehr
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:36pmIndeed…we’re at the 1934-35 period right now….4-5 more years and we’ll have WWIII to contend with. And this time the Atlantic and Pacific moats won’t protect us!
Report Post »Hatedemdems
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 6:57pmIs O’bama purposely helping a Muslim country go nuclear? We know he hates Israel but this NO POLICY ON IRAN is not protecting the USA. Come election time we’ll be rid of barry, moochelle, and their kind. Never again.
Report Post »Psychosis
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 6:53pmahhh what could go wrong ????
best case scenario is they “ accidently ” turn themselves into a glass parking lot while testing – one can dream
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:19pmI have a dream: that would be priceless millions of vaporized Muslims disappear because they screwed up.
Report Post »Hatedemdems
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 6:52pmAll on Obama’s watch. Do something you fool…anything.
Report Post »Seede
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:46pmHe already did. He sent Clinton to Africa yesterday to straighten out the spear chuckers and choppers. She should do well down there cause ug means yes and ug ug means no. I think she can handle this one.
Report Post »Deb C
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 6:47pmIf the dems/progressives are so concerned about the USA being oppressors, what would they call Middle Easterners coming over here to convert us to islam ?
Report Post »Eraldo NY Tea Party
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 6:46pmWhen a A-bomb goes off in Jerusalem, will be the time that Our Lord Jesus Christ will return.
God bless us all.
Report Post »Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 6:55pm“When a A-bomb goes off in Jerusalem, will be the time that Our Lord Jesus Christ will return.”
How comforting.
Thanks for sharing your calming religious thoughts with us, It’s nice to know things about Jesus and his return plans. I hope he isn’t affected by high radiation levels.
Report Post »BOMUSTGO
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 6:58pmZechariah chapter 14 sounds like a vivid description of an atomic bomb.
Report Post »NuffSaid
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:13pmI hope, when He gets here, He’s brought a sword.
Report Post »Southernguy
Posted on June 9, 2011 at 9:15amThe seven years aint started yet. And Jesus aint steppin‘ foot on the Mt of Olives till it’s all said and done ;)
Report Post »BOMUSTGO
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 6:42pmPershia (Iran) does play a role in “End Time” events.Israel does have the F-16I, a modified F-16 with a much longer range. They will need permission to fly thru Iraqi, or Saudi airspace.If Israel does this, It will really set off the Arab world.
Report Post »BOMUSTGO
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 6:47pmI say we should use our stealth cruise missiles…Oh! I forgot…Look who we have in office!!!! Nevermind!
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:04pmNo Barry wouldn’t green light that op,that progressive is a disgrace to the office and can’t be voted out soon enough.
Report Post »Southernguy
Posted on June 9, 2011 at 9:13amIf it really comes down to it…………Benni aint gonna get permission from no one to fly through their air space ;)
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 6:41pmIsrael better light them up (mushroom clouds) before Iran perfects theirs.
Report Post »Cymry Jones
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 6:58pmWhy should little Israel take the risk to light up Iran when the US military, along with their weapons of mass destruction are based in every country surrounding Iran?
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:10pmIn case you haven‘t heard The lunatic leader of Iran want’s to wipe Israel off the map,it’s self preservation
Report Post »for Israel.Our socialist in chief has no interest in helping Israel they’re on their own.
progressiveslayer
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:24pmWe don’t have any weapons of mass destruction in the middle east.No chemical,nuclear,or biological so I don‘t know which weapons you’re referring to.
Report Post »Cymry Jones
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:57pmResearch the following: SSBN
Report Post »miles from nowhere
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 6:33pmCan we please do something about Iran before they try blowing the rest of us up?
Report Post »SavingtheRepublic.com
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 6:39pm^____^____^
Report Post »Sooooo they continue to move forward after everything that has come out of the regime about wiping Israel off the face of the earth. That we are next and the UN does nothing BUT entertain Small Arms Treaty in hopes of nullifying the 2nd Amendment!?
TomFerrari
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 6:44pmAnd yet, no new nuke plants here.
Obama = 0 policies. No energy policy. No fiscal policy. No budgets in 2 years.
LOL what a JOKE!
We have no new energy, and yet we keep growing massive new energy consuming server farms like this:
http://www.businessinsider.com/what-kind-of-gear-is-apple-using-in-its-huge-new-datacenter-2011-6
See the BOTTOM PHOTO HERE? – the tiny black dot is two men standing on the roof!
Steve Jobs showed pics of east coast data center which covers acres and acres and acres…
OF LAND.
A MASSIVE FLAT ROOF!
And not a single solar panel on it!
ROFLMAO!!!
Report Post »101
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 6:59pmBHO administration is so pathetically “WEAK” thanks to BO apology tour, he has lost all respect globally. Now we have Iran telling BO that he’s building nukes and laughs.
Report Post »Cleveland
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:18pmI agree. We need a full on invasion. I don’t care how many of our children have to die, or how much money we have to spend. I trust our AIPAC owned Congress to do what’s right for our nation, even if it comes with a price tag of $10 trillion. Israel is far more important than the people here at home without a job, without a home, with nary a whisper of hope. SAVE ISRAEL AT ALL COSTS!!!
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:24pmLook on the Drudge Report for an article where Iran declares to already have detonated one or more nuclear tests (based on a future prospect); yet the thing is, how much of this is pure bluff and spin for the people of Iran and how much is based in solid fact of what is to come from them.
They are playing for the long term game; the support of the Muslum Brotherhood is in line with their goal of destroying Israel and eventually the USA. However, the differences of the Brotherhood seeks the Caliphate, while the Iranian dude seeks the Imadi’s return in a sea of blood.
Wonder who will lash out first, fire or thermonuclear fire?
Report Post »CultureWarriors
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:27pmIs it just me or does this doofus look like Anthony Weiner?
Report Post »Untameable-kate
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:48pmTomFerrari
BOs energy policy is the same as all his policies… talk, talk, talk, yap,yap yap, divert, lie,cajole accuse and give out some Obama money from his stash.
Praying for the safety of Israel.
Report Post »Exrepublisheep
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:05pmI feel terrible for the main mass of Iranians. I really believe they want to achieve some form of democracy before the ayatollahs cause a reaction that turns much of Iran into glass.
Report Post »tower7femacamp
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:17pmFalse nuke flag coming soon !
Report Post »I would think some non Masonic or Zionist Jew are
think TX, Utah, Montana anywhere but Washington DC
maybe somewhere along the 33rd degree parallel
like Tuson AZ or Dallas tx
http://www.redicecreations.com/specialreports/2006/10oct/33.html
michael48
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:22pmOmama will loan them the money , just after we bail out Greece…and the Chi-Coms will loan us the money to loan to them….right????…yep…the guy is a pretty fart smella, alright…
Report Post »Ookspay
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:51pmWe could raise a few billion in cash and sell some nukes to Israel. That should take care of it nicely.
Report Post »jzs
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:48pmSlam Obama if that does something for you, but Bush infamously declared Iran a member of the “axis of evil,” imposed sanctions and did everything he could to subvert the Iranian government and economy (and good for him). But after eight years of Bush’s policies, the Iranians are precisely eight years further along in their nuclear program. Not seven years, eight.
His policies accomplished nothing. I’m not blaming Bush for that; he did all he could. At least this administration set the stuxnet worm on them (some credit goes to Bush on that too I’m sure) and temporarily slowed down their nuclear program. But I know you guys don’t know anything about that.
I just know you think Bush was really tough on Iran and I know that his efforts accomplished absolutely nothing to slow down their development of nuclear weapons. When do you think they built all those centrifuges?
Report Post »its_time_to_arrest_our_government
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 11:25pmif these nuts want a nuke so damn bad why don’t we send them a few. lets see how they like ours.
Report Post »rose-ellen
Posted on June 8, 2011 at 11:59pmCleveland
Report Post »You hit the nail on the head!
Salamander
Posted on June 9, 2011 at 12:04amDidn‘t Saddam Hussein have ’secret’ nuclear facilities? Look what happened to him–and, apparently, the ‘secret’ nuclear facilities were a hoax to keep his neighbor, Iran, at bay! I wonder what will happen to Iran if they push this button too hard!
Report Post »D0ntTread0nMe
Posted on June 9, 2011 at 12:06amI’m sure the Anthony Wiener story is much more important, right….
Report Post »http://www.mythoughtsfromthemiddle.blogspot.com
Therightsofbilly
Posted on June 9, 2011 at 12:54am@Rose-Ellen
Did it hurt?
Report Post »Therightsofbilly
Posted on June 9, 2011 at 1:06am@JZS
He sent a worm after them? really? Like some big giant worm from the movie Tremors?
Wow, that’s cool.
I like your avatar too. Is it Gummo or Zeppo?
Report Post »*************************
Posted on June 9, 2011 at 3:27amOUTER-OFFICE MEMO
Report Post »TO: Glenn Beck
FROM: Jesus Christ (that guy, you know, the speaking of His name that you mock)
MESSAGE: Therefore when you see the “abomination of desolation”, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place, then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.
TRANSLATION: You probably don’t want to be there with all those islamic nukes when Jesus recommends you flee from there … (ya know, just sayin’)