World

Iran Shows U.N. Inspector Advanced Nuclear Equipment

Iran Shows U.N. Inspector Advanced Nuclear Equipment

VIENNA (The Blaze/AP) — Iran has allowed a top U.N. atomic inspector access to a site where it is developing advanced centrifuges that can be used to make nuclear fuel and to arm warheads, diplomats told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The diplomats said that Deputy Director General Herman Nackaerts of the International Atomic Energy Agency also was allowed to tour Iran’s heavy water production plant for the first time. Heavy water reactors – like the research unit being built by Iran – produce plutonium which, along with enriched uranium, can be used for the fissile core of nuclear warheads.

A senior diplomat familiar with the visit described the Iranian move as significant in demonstrating openness after years of stonewalling IAEA requests for greater access to restricted nuclear activities.

Iran is under four sets of U.N. Security Council sanctions because it refuses to suspend both enrichment and its heavy water reactor program. Therefore any sign that it is ready to open a larger window is likely to blunt U.S.-led efforts to increase pressure on the Islamic Republic for defying the Security Council.

Western nations at the IAEA are tentatively planning to seek a resolution at the agency’s November meeting of its 35-nation board that would again report it to the Security Council – this time for stonewalling IAEA attempts to probe its secrets, including alleged work on nuclear arms.

Before Nackaerts’ five-day visit, which ended Saturday, the IAEA was forced to rely on satellite imagery in concluding that the heavy water production plant was in operation. One of the diplomats said Nackaerts was able to confirm this on his visit.

Both the diplomat and a counterpart from a different IAEA member nation asked for anonymity because their information was privileged.

Since Iran’s secret nuclear activities were unveiled in 2003, concerns have grown that it may be using the cover of a peaceful program to develop weapons capability.

Iran denies that, saying its activities are geared only toward research and producing nuclear fuel. But because both enrichment and a running heavy water reactor can produce warhead material, international fear has grown as Tehran defies U.N. resolutions demanding a stop to both programs.

Iran’s work on advanced centrifuges has heightened worries because – once operational – they will be able to enrich at up to three times the speed of its present model.

To date, the IAEA has no knowledge of Iran making weapons-grade uranium. But any speed-up in enrichment would increase its supply of low-enriched material more quickly – and also speed up conversion into high-enriched, weapons grade uranium, should Iran choose to go that route.

In its last report in May, the IAEA said that Tehran has stockpiled more than four tons of low-enriched uranium. That would be enough for nearly three nuclear warheads if enriched to levels above 90 percent.

It also is increasingly focused on higher enrichment to 20 percent – a level that can be turned into weapons-grade uranium much more quickly than Iran’s 3.5 percent low-enriched uranium.

The diplomats said that Nackaerts also visited Iran’s underground enrichment site at Fordow which offers better protection from possible airstrikes than its present facility and which is currently being outfitted with centrifuges.

On Monday, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Iran’s recent enrichment moves are increasingly suspicions.

“The Iranian nuclear program offers no plausible reasons for its existing enrichment of uranium up to nearly 20 percent, nor ramping up this production, nor moving centrifuges underground,” she said. “And its failure to comply with its obligations to suspend its enrichment activities up to 3.5 percent and nearly 20 percent have given all of us in the international community reason to doubt its intentions.”

The Fordow bunker facility near the holy city of Qom, Iran, is to house approximately 3,000 centrifuges. Iran’s main enrichment plant near the central city of Natanz has more than 5,000 operating machines.

Comments (37)

  • South Philly Boy
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 8:21pm

    The picture looks like he’s inspecting a bunch of chimney pipes

    Report Post » South Philly Boy  
  • Die Trying
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 3:04pm

    i’m too young to remember duck and cover but not too old to learn

    Report Post »  
  • BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 2:44pm

    Iran says “Israel should be wiped off the map.”
    The rest of the world ignores. After all, what can Iran do to facilitate such an attack?
    Iran calls Israel the little Satan and the US the Great Satan- neither should exist.
    The rest of the world ignores- its just rhetoric.
    Iran begins building nuclear weapons (for peaceful purposes? Not likely)
    The rest of the world ignores- they will never achieve it. We have plenty of time to use diplomacy.
    Iran calls on the return of the Mahdi to establish Islamic domination over all nations.
    The rest of the world ignores: he’s a crazy person. More sanctions if they continue nuclear program.
    Iran, again, calls on the destruction of Israel. Continues nuclear program.
    The rest of the world ignores: Besides, if they do manage to get a nuclear weapon they are certain not use it because of the theory of mutual destruction.
    Iran says it would be worth 200,000 Iranian lives to destroy Israel.
    The rest of the world ignores.
    and ignores….
    and ignores…

    BOOM!

    Report Post » BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?  
    • jado1981
      Posted on August 25, 2011 at 12:00pm

      And while I agree with SOME of what Ron Paul says, he then says it’s okay for Iran to have nuclear capabilities. He sees nothing wrong with this picture. I know he is a libertarian and and “live and let live” mentality, but this will surely be used to enact just what achmed says.

      Report Post »  
  • TheRealHip
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 2:17pm

    Hey,,,, are those the aluminum tubes they found when Bush was in office and they said they weren’t for nucleur products??

    Report Post »  
  • snidley-whiplash
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 10:52am

    The first presidential candidate that mentions bomb, bomb, bomb…..bomb, bomb Iran has my vote!

    Report Post » snidley-whiplash  
  • mikee1
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 10:47am

    That equipment was created from the mind of a white Russian or a jew. Note, how the evil seem to be always techno retarded. Odumbo is on twitter because they think it makes him look high-tech and cool. God is Great. LOL.

    Report Post » mikee1  
  • JLGunner
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 10:31am

    ….aaaannnd this means what? What we’re not going to destroy it? What a joke. Screw the UN

    Report Post » JLGunner  
  • texascav
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 10:28am

    Like our current government really cares. Twice now the people of Iran have tried to revolt and wanted to topple the regime. They begged the U.S. and the free world for assistance. And what did they get? Nothing, but a lots of Iranian civilians killed and injured. No help at all. Our government could care less if Iran gets nukes. In fact I feel Obuma wants them to. Its obvious Obuma doesn’t care about Israel, and wants the Muslim radicals to control the Middle East.

    Report Post » texascav  
  • Dismayed Veteran
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 9:45am

    What do you think? Should we engaged a pre-emptive military strike followed by an invasion? We will do niether. Iran’s only delivery system to the US is a “suit case” bomb. The only Americans who are in nuclear harm’s way from short range ballistic missels are the troops in Iraq and Saudia Arabia. While I am no Dr. Paul supporter, I think this might be what he means when he is not concerned with Iran’s nuclear program.

    Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
  • MrObvious
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 9:01am

    There is only one logical solution to our problems with Iran: the total removal of Iran’s current government, including imams, ayatollah, president and the whole corrupt dictatorial 12er doomsday seeking gang, by whatever means needed.

    Report Post »  
    • texascav
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 10:22am

      The people tried to revolt twice now and our counrty did nothing to help. I remember years ago while in the military we were wanting an uprising with the people as that was the best way to topple the regime. At that time it was our governments plans. We had our chances twice now and both times let it slip away. This current Washington bunch could care less if Iran gets a nuke and destroys Israel.

      Report Post » texascav  
    • BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 2:53pm

      Nope- that is exactly what they want. They want an Islamic Caliphate to be established over there. But, do they not realize that it will most likely end up here too? Wouldn‘t you like to be a fly on the wall in Obama’s bedroom when he has to explain to Michelle and his daughters that they have to wear burkas once it all goes down.

      I am hoping that this doesn’t happen. I won’t live under that.

      Report Post » BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?  
  • MrObvious
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 8:53am

    Here we go again, and again, and …..

    Iran uses this ploy on a regular basis.
    It’s is doing two things:
    1) bragging about it’s progress
    2) stalling the UN

    Report Post »  
  • Blight14
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 8:52am

    Yet your beloved I$rael won’t even allow the IAEA to inspect/inventory………..But thats ok right, they’re $pecial……………our ‘ally’…………..the only ‘democracy’ in the ME……….Its just that pesky Sampson Option though……….hmmmmmm………

    Report Post »  
    • Phoenixsoulfire
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 9:37am

      Big difference. Iran wants to wipe Israel of the face of the earth and every jew with them. Israel needs to it defend it self and I wouldn’t blame them for first strike. Good defense is a fast offense

      Report Post »  
    • -Publius
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 10:39am

      gI love how people like you come in places like this for attention. Get a life hommie, maybe you could actually get the real perspective on whats goin on in Sumaria and Judea instead of gettin ur news from the Terrorist News Organization. You sound like an idiot! lol

      Report Post »  
  • Gr8ful1jim
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 8:44am

    One step closer to the whole middle east being turned into a sheet of glass. Why do you think the Muslims are taking over Europe and the US. They are going to need a place to live.

    Report Post » Gr8ful1jim  
  • sissykatz
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 8:11am

    Well I think it is crazy to think that they are not making a bomb. If Obama does not do something we will be wiped off the map. Pakistan has a bomb and that is dangerous enough but they are not completely crazed like the leaders of Iran. Every county is in danger if Iran has access to Nuclear weapons. I think it would be in everyone’s best interest to blow up the storage places for these things. They are not a threat to us as long as they don’t have these. They cannot do anything to us militarily if they are not armed with the new weapons.

    It scares me to death to think that Iran might have any weapons because the leadership is truly maniacle.

    Report Post »  
    • The Voice of Libertarian Reason
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 8:40am

      They do not have the military (Air Force) to reach the US. As scary as it may be what give you the right to tell someone what they can and can’t have? Sounds to me like something a liberal would do….

      Live and let live.

      Report Post »  
    • techengineer11
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 9:00am

      What scares me is Israel! Do you know they have plans to Nuke major cities in both Europe and America? I bet FOX News never told you of these plans have they? Wonder why? It’s called the Samson Option if you care to research it.

      So does the same logic apply to Israel as it does to Iran? Remember now Israel has already attempted to sink the USS Liberty and murdered dozens of US sailors in the effort. So they have a history of terrorism against the USA and a plan to Nuke the USA. As in vaporize 10s of millions of Americans and unlike Iran they have the actual capability to care it out.

      Now that you have more information on the subject what is your thoughts?

      techengineer11  
    • SavingtheRepublic.com
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 11:33am

      ~~^^~~^^~~
      Hey cmon now Ron Paul says its no big deal they have a right to!! The have this program for one reason only to build bombs. Do not let that OLD FOOLISH isolationist, anti semite libertarian convince you otherwise. Once they have bombs built they will be used on Israel, any US military contingency or interest in the ME, at least one European city and then they will be used here. They will be smuggled into Central America and then through Hamas and Hezbollah in Mexico up through the US Mexico border to a city near you….. RON PAUL! These will be low yield weapons enough to take out a city block etc., if ANYONE thinks they are not building a bomb seek medical help. http://SavingtheRepublic.com

      Report Post » SavingtheRepublic.com  
    • BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 3:06pm

      Only- Iran does not have the transport capability to reach the US directly. However, I have read that they are more interested in an EMP strike. Using a shipping container on a barge right off the Gulf of Mexico. A blast over our airspace would be devastating to our fragile power grid.

      And lets face it- our import system is no better than it was on 9/10. Not every container can be inspected and secure.

      Report Post » BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?  
  • christos
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 8:07am

    ……Not impressive what is although are the Promises of +GOD+ we only need to fear the one who can cast our soul in Hell +JESUS+ obviously these people do not fear +JESUS+ that pile of junk is laughable the Kingdom of +GOD+ is DIVINE the U.N. are their buddies they are a bought and paid for pile of EVIL no cake for them.TA

    Report Post » christos  
  • Grace1798
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 7:49am

    Anyone ever notice how Obama has done everything to encourage this rather than discourage it?

    Report Post » Grace1798  
  • Hickory
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 7:40am

    They want to kill all of us. Plain and simple…………..

    Report Post » Hickory  
    • techengineer11
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 9:05am

      Are you speaking of the Jews since they already have a well drawn out plan to Nuke major cities in both the US and Europe? I believe they do want to kill us.. It’s plain and simple.

      Report Post » techengineer11  
    • luvFREEDOM2
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 4:15pm

      hey tech – do you think they would bite the hand that feed them(2.8billion in aid last year).they have our military technology.plane, bombs etc….do you hate isreal that much to talk crap you know nothing about??????

      Report Post » luvFREEDOM2  
    • techengineer11
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 7:43pm

      luvFREEDOM2: Do they have a plan to Nuke us or not? lol Don’t hate the messenger.

      Report Post » techengineer11  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 7:39am

    All I know is that Iran has already threatened Israel and America with nukes. So that makes it unacceptable for them to have nuclear power for any reason. We best pray that one of those places will end us exploding for some reason and they all glow in the dark for a few thousand years.

    Report Post »  
  • jnobfan
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 7:38am

    Nuclear blackmail works!
    Once again its good to have the bomb. Look at Pakistan. We wouldn‘t give a crap or a billions of dollars about Paki if they didn’t have one.

    Report Post »  
  • Scrubpuppy
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 7:35am

    Who cares? I mean, it’s a good story and all, but lets face it, the Pakis and and Noth Koreans already have nukes and its not like they’re really our friends. We don’t have the balls to do anything about it, so why even worry?

    We’ll just throw more sanctions at them, so we can make a bunch of nutcases with nukes even more desperate. Seems legit.

    Report Post »  
    • luvFREEDOM2
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 4:08pm

      i agree to most. india also has the bomb. so do several countries in that region. isreal has 300.we gave them to them.isreal is stronger than most people think. to have restraint and not clear iran off the map!? hamas is stupid to piss them off –it is all just to get isreal started in a war to take eyes off of everybody else that wants to kill them.now egyptian protesters are holding signs “the gas chambers are ready” and nazi symbols..so we do need to worry and help our only true ally in mid east. if isreal falls so does so much more…..

      Report Post » luvFREEDOM2  
  • handsoffmystuff
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 7:25am

    Honey if your only ‘suspicious’ of what the crazed mullahs are up to … then truly you are a fool.

    Report Post »  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 5:16am

    The IAEA has failed to carry out their two main directives with regard to Iran!

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  

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